Glad to hear you’re enthusiastic Ollie. Please forgive the novel below as I was just typing my thoughts and only realized the volume of wording when I was done =D
The host for clowns can vary based upon the source of the perculas. If they are wild caught then they will typically host in their natural homes – bubble-tip anemones. Tank raised or aqua-cultured critters are usually must less finicky about their homes. Anything fluffy and offering concealment can actually work if the clowns show enough interest. Plenty have been known to host in condylactus anemones, frogspawn or torch LPS coral, green hairy mushrooms, and even on filter intake sponges. The tank-raised ones are bizarre in the extreme and quite endearing.
Just remember that anemones can be extremely sensitive to water quality, lighting, and flow. Depending on the anemone, some might never find the ideal location to expand and thrive. These typically require more intense lighting than the stock lights in a biocube setup, but again, everything is circumstantial.
As for livestock and equipment… I would recommend avoiding large chains in their entirety. While yes they will sell the exact same equipment as a LFS (albeit more limited in selection) you need to bear in mind a few things (again just my opinion and not the majority’s):
1. Whether you spend $1,000 on a tank setup at Petco or not, you will not have any long-term impact in whether the company thrives or not. LFS are more sensitive to a customer base as they are relying on the initial investments in equipment customers as well as the return business to survive.
a. Some LFS actually have relationships with their vendors and offer additional warranties on equipment that chains will not.
b. A LFS local to Boston offered an extended 1 year warranty on various lighting setups for virtually any issues, on top of the manufacturer’s limited 90-day warranty or whatever they are.
2. Petco employees are people from any and all backgrounds. While some may be definite knowledgeable hobbyists, most are people just trying to survive and they happen to love animals (or not). The people at LFS typically need to be much more informed about this specific hobby as understanding is CRITICAL to ensure the safety of livestock, and again, ultimately the prospect of return business. Most LFS owners and employees are die-hard hobbyists that are knowledgeable and willing to answer your questions to ensure equipment or livestock would be a good fit for an owner and situation.
a. Prime example, I was at a LFS (Underwater World in Taunton), and I was perusing their coral selection there. Whilst near the register a high-schooler who clearly had no enthusiasm or knowledge in the hobby came up and said he wanted a $60 freshwater fish or something.
The owner Greg asked “Do you have a tank? What kind of setup, fish, etc? How long has it been up?” The kid retorted with “Oh I was gonna put it in this fishbowl (as he stuck a betta bowl on the counter)”. Greg refused to sell to him. I have witnessed scenarios like this at a multitude of LFS and if these reinforce the notion that LFS employees actually care about the hobby (usually
).
So you might end up paying slightly more at a LFS over online or retail, but you are supporting the businesses dedicated to this hobby. As for livestock, I’ll keep it simple. Petco will almost always be cheaper for coral and fish than an LFS. The difference here is the quality of the suppliers. Most LFS order from reputable distributors who carefully monitor the water conditions and health of their livestock. Petco does not (I’m acquainted with two people from the Avon store). The Petco in Quincy killed several tanks of saltwater fish by adding freshwater medicine and turtle food to the tanks! Furthermore, the majority of my fish from Petco died under desirable water conditions.
I was lucky to have our midas and algae blennies survive and thrive but I wholeheartedly believe this was just that, luck. Virtually everything we have acquired from LFS has been exceptionally healthy and will thrive under the correct circumstances. Again I remind you that nothing is set in stone, even LFS livestock can become ill or die. The difference is the quality of attention and care everything received from capture or growth to retail sales.
Please feel free to PM me if you’d like specific input on anything from above, etc
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-Adam
