Anemone Compatibility...

Question
Hello there. I am running a 20 gallon saltwater. I currently have a red scarlet shrimp, peppermint shrimp, Hawaiian duster, sand sifting starfish and a blue tuxedo urchin. I want to add fish but not sure anymore considering I want to add an anemone or two. My question for you is, what kinds of anemones can I keep in a moderate light 20 gallon and what kind of fish (besides Clowns, if any) can I keep in the tank? Thank you in advance!

Answer
Hi Rich:

Thank you for the question.

In regards to keeping an anemone in a 20 gallon aquarium: It's not recommended to keep an anemone in a 20 gallon aquarium. However based on my own personal experience, I've kept a small red bubble tip anemone in a (24 gallon Current USA Aquapod Nano Aquarium) for about a year before it outgrew the aquarium.

You would of course have to make sure the anemone doesn't get caught in a powerhead impeller, suction screen, or overflow, because they will move around inside the aquarium. You will have to provide pristine water conditions, and sufficient lighting.

In regards to fish for a 20 gallon: If you are looking for hardy fish besides clowns, then I would look for pseudochromis species, blennies, gobies, and fire-fish species. However the aquarium being so small, you would want to only keep 1 or 2 fish.

I wish you the best of luck with all your future saltwater aquarium endeavors.

Regards,
David

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