(Note: The video lacks audio)

I’m a sucker for anemones in reef tanks, so seeing multiple healthy carpet anemones (Stichodactyla gigantea) swaying in Nicolas’ reef really put a smile on my face. It’s fair to debate whether collecting carpet anemones for captivity is conscientious, but you can’t debate that Nicolas’ anemones are thriving in his aquarium.

Oh yeah … there’s also some really nice corals and fish (hello, Interruptus angelfishes) in there, too.

The video below shows Nicholas’ aquarium a few weeks after it was started in late 2016. The transformation in nine short months is truly remarkable. I marvel at how quickly some people’s reefs can mature (I’ve never had such success in my 30 years reefkeeping).  From the SPS to the anemones, the tank appears to be on steroids.