anemones turning brown

[brentsharp]

I have two anemones one white carpet and one purple tip they are both turning brown. the carpet has been in my tank for about 4 month doing fine. in the last month he moved from the sand bed to a higher part of a rock formation he is almost completely brown. the other on has just started turning brown. anyone have any ideas why?

 

[davocean]

Many times people buy bleached or dyed nems.
Turning a more brownish color usually means it's actually getting healthier.
I'm not familiar w/ carpets and their light needs, but IME when a nem moves up higher on rocks it wants more light.
What do you have for light?
Can you post pics?

 

[brentsharp]

I don't have pics, but i just put on two sets of 48' T-5

 

[davocean]

T5's are great, and probably plenty of light for your nems.
The brown is Zooanthele building up in nems which helps them absorb energy from light, meaning they are getting healthier.
Many will be brownish w/ hints of color.
Mine show brighter color after feeding.
Mine get a silverside a week, and pick up mysis when feeding fish about 3 times a week.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Yep, it sure sounds like they are getting healthier.

Here is a picture of my LTA when I first got it.

A couple months later.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

They are regaining their zooxanthellae. A white anemone is not a healthy one. This is a good sign.

 

[brentsharp]

Thanks for all the help