gbta issue

[hotrodolds]

was not initially concerned but im at a loss now. All water chem is perfect from what i can tell. PH 8.3, temp is 78-81/82, trates/trites/amm 0. Everything just exactly how it always is and has been.

The nem though has been acting odd and appears sick. Mouth hung open at times, never fully expanded, tentacles mostly very stubby, wont accept food. Im just generally at a loss. This has been going on for a little over or at one week now. Colors are still there, not faded or bleached Prior to now its been growing pretty quick, and ive had it for 2 months or more.

 

[WDLV]

Pics would be helpful....

How is the flow in the tank?

How old is your activated carbon? ie: is there a chemical warfare problem?

Is there another species of anemone in the same system?

Are there any LPS touching the anemone?

Is the anemone getting too much light?

Are you feeding the anemone and if so how big is each piece of food? (As small as possible is better IMHO.)

 

[patriots81]

salinity?

what kind of light/how much lighting?

how big is the tank?

 

[hotrodolds]

salinity is a 1.023
29g
150w metal halide

No other nems, there is a tiny brain a few inches from it but the sweepers do not reach it, or even close to it. Have observed it at night.

Was feeding it a mix of silversides and mysis a few times a week. It wont accept anything though since it took a dive. Its doubled in size from when i purchased it and has always seemed healthy.

Ive got an emerald crab that hangs out by it quite a bit and ive seen it irritate it on occassion but i dont think thats the issue.

The carbon in my HOB is a month or more old so ill replace that and see what happens.

 

[SaylorsReef]

The salinity is a bit low. In my experience 1.026 has worked out the best.

I would move the brain farther away.

I don't trust the emeral crab. It may be stealing its food. This would explain the short tentacles, which is a sign of starvation in anemones.

 

[patriots81]

how old is the tank?

 

[hotrodolds]

yeah ive heard multiple times the salinity is a bit low but ive never seen any negative effects until now possibly. Tank has always been in the 1.022/23 area. It finished cycle 1/18/09 as in my sig.

Im starting to suspect the emerald as well if in fact short tentacles is a sign of starvation. That said though it has been growing very quick until now, so that goes against the starvation theory..

 

[WDLV]

I agree with keeping the SG at about 1.025 and moving the brain. Those sweepers can grow quickly once they detect a neighboring cnidarian.