How long should I wait before adding an anemone to a reef tank?

You should usually wait at least 6-9 months before adding an anemone to a new reef tank. Anemones need stable salinity, temperature, alkalinity, and nutrient levels more than almost any beginner coral.

Readiness checklist

• Tank age at least 6 months (9+ months is safer)
• No recent ammonia or nitrite spikes
• Stable salinity around 1.025-1.026
• Consistent temperature (minimal daily swing)
• Lighting strong enough for photosynthetic inverts
• Moderate-to-strong, indirect flow

If your tank is still fluctuating, start with easier livestock first like zoa or toadstool. For future hosting pairs, browse clownfish and anemone options when your system is mature.

Track parameters weekly in the ReefBay app. If alkalinity and salinity stay consistent for multiple months, you are much more likely to succeed with anemones.