Does this happen to your nem?

[Big E]

I have an H. Malu that I recently paired with my pair of GS maroons. It's in a plastic tub with some sand as the tank is barebottom. This doesn't stop the clowns from fanning the sand & getting some of the granules on the nem with some directly sitting on the mouth. It doesn't seem to bother the nem but it's irritating me!

 

[Tennyson]

Thats generally not a good thing, but if it doesn't bother the anemone, it shouldn't be that much to worry about. If its really bothering you, you can use a turkey baster and blow all the sand off of it. A power head also works great.

 

[davocean]

That's what clowns do.

 

[Cheebs]

It happens sometimes to me with my maroon and BTA. When the clwon gets startled he hangs out underneath the anemone, and when he swims around he creates a small sandstorm, and some particles do end up on the anemone. I don't think it's much to worry about, the tentacles will eventually get rid of the substrates, and if any did get in the mouth I'm sure it would regurgitate it. If it's happening several times a day though, you might want to consider relocating it.

 

[Big E]

That's what clowns do.

Thanks, that helps

I wanted to know if others do anything or leave the natural flow of the tank or the nem to deal with it on their own..........or maybe a solution.

Being in a tub the sand goes more on the nem than dispersed around the area if it was a sandbed tank. When the nem is expanded it's covers the whole bottom of the tub & the rims of the tub deflect the sand onto the nem. I'm using Caribsea aragonaite not fine sugar type sand.

I think I'm going to fill the tub to the top with sand & use a lid with a hole cut out to negate the clowns from reaching the sand.

 

[davocean]

Actually I answered your question "does this happen to your nem", and yes, this is common.
Your first post didn't ask for a solution.
I'll tell you this, GSM's are really fussy about what goes next to their nem, and constantly groom the area.
I would suggest placing rock there, but if they are like mine they will most likely push/headbutt it away.
The idea of "making do" w/ a tub of sand is cool in theory, but usually a nem will move to fit it's needs more than yours.
Having a sand dwelling creature in a BB has got to be frustrating, I wouldn't do it.
But if you can figure out a solution, share pics.

 

[Big E]

True, I could have originally been more specific. I'm very familiar with GSM behavior, as I've had the pair for 5 years in sand & BB systems. The past few months is the first time they have had an anenome.

I've had the Malu for a year(in bb without clowns) & it moved constantly before I added the sand tub. It's temporary at this point, until I decide what I want to do. I may create a larger sand area within the bb system..........something like a 12"x12" area that looks more natural.

You're right it's been frustrating, but a challenging & learning experience at the same time.

 

[Hogfish77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11689056#post11689056 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by davocean
That's what clowns do.

I say it's just the mean maroons and not the smaller clowns.:mixed:

 

[davocean]

Well, my clarki's did the same thing, and I'm sure others do as well.