Anemone

How to Care for Anemones in a Home Aquarium

Anemones are stunning and fascinating additions to reef tanks, often forming symbiotic bonds with clownfish. However, they need stable, mature aquariums to thrive.

  • Lighting: High-intensity lighting is essential—LED, T5, or metal halide systems work best to support their photosynthetic needs.

  • Flow: Moderate, indirect water flow helps keep them healthy without stressing their delicate tentacles.

  • Placement: Anemones will move until they find a spot they like, usually on rockwork or in sand. Ensure powerheads are covered to prevent injury.

  • Feeding: Feed small pieces of meaty foods like shrimp or silversides 1–2 times a week to support growth.

  • Water Parameters: Keep stable conditions—temperature 76–80°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, nitrate <10 ppm, and phosphate <0.03 ppm.

A healthy, established reef tank (6+ months old) is key to successful anemone care.