Anemone trouble

[MrMikeB]

Hey all,

Two nights ago, to my dismay, I discovered my rather large green bulb tipped anemone had decided to move from its perch to a new location. Well it made it half way there before meeting my powerhead and getting partly sucked up inside it. I have a 'cover' over the intake, but it was definitely lodged partway in there nonetheless in between the slits of the grate. I do not think it was there long. I deactivated the powerhead and was able to pull the lodged tentacles out with some maneuvering - man is that anemone is strong. The anemone had latched on to the LR with an iron grip when it was 'attacked' by the powerhead and was less than a quarter of the way in the Rio when I came upon it.

Shortly after the removal, the anemone retreated to a different part of the LR, hiding under a ledge where it has remained since then. I can still catch a glimpse of it and still looks 'ok,' but I am worried that it is not getting enough light in its current location. Is this normal for them to 'hide' like this? Is there anything I should do to encourage its recovery? I do not think it lost any part of itself since I caught it in time, but I do think it is not happy to say the least. The clowns are still hosting in it in its new location. Any advice?

 

[MandM]

Anenomes are notorious for wandering. Hopefully he didn't get too torn up in the powerhead and will heal. I would run some carbon, changing weekly, to absorb the toxic defense slime he produces when injured. If the clown is aggressively rubbing in it they may need to be seperated during the healing process. The anenome needs that light so I would give the clown a time-out in the sump if needed.
Keep a close eye on him, if he does die he will poison the tank. If he does, die, I would not buy another one. The clown will be fine without him. Mine hosts in a soft coral, much easier to manage. Good luck!

 

[miracles38]

Hey Mike,
I would leave the anemone alone in its spot, but try feeding it to help build up the energy to heal. I have had mine hide on the underside of rock getting minimal light for periods and it was just fine.

 

[MrMikeB]

Thank you all for the advice. I am a bit ashamed to admit I allowed this to happen in the first place. I have read all the horror stories and seen the equally awful pictures and thought I had things in order with the covers and the fact my anemones are above 4-5 inches in size. I will try and feed it and change out the carbon frequently and see how things go from there. The clowns are not being overly agressive to it, so for now I will leave them be and see how things go.

 

[dots]

You think thats bad....you should see mine lately.

 

[MrMikeB]

The king has retuned

The king has retuned

I would say the king has returned from the jaws of the mighty powerhead to rule the top of the reef

Thank you all for your quick help with this. My anemone and I thank you profusely.