Help! New nem problems (newbie)

[jdonnelly]

Hello! This is my first post on reef central so not quite sure how to do everything, but I need help! I have a 20 gal (a little over 2 months old, let cycle for 3 weeks before getting live rock), A1 lighting, no skimmer but I have a Topfin filter. Live sand, live rock, 2 clowns, 1 yellow tail damsel, snails, 2 small rose nems, and just purchased a large white nem (I think sebae) yesterday. It was doing fine until midday today when it completely shriveled up and excreted brown stuff. It's mouth then started gaping, but then it's tentacles fattened up again.
Oh my parameters might help - ammonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate 10-15ppm
I did a water change immediately after seeing the nem go through this weird behavior. The LFS guys told me I could put anything in my tank as long as my levels were okay (which they were yesterday) but I'm assuming this is too much too soon for my new tank.. So my question is- is my nem dying? Should I remove it? Is it excreting nitrate or is the nitrate in my tank killing the nem? I have included pic

 

[MikeyAl]

Help! New nem problems (newbie)

First of all, IMO thats a lot of anemones in a small tank. It is often recommended not to add a nem until 6 months to ensure you have a stable environment.




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[OrionN]

Your picture is up side down. I don't think he look healthy. The mouth look sick to me. What you described is the behavior of a sick anemone. In your case it is best to return the anemone back to the LFS. Another case of horrible advice from LFS. It seem like you are not ready to keep anemone yet. They are difficult animal to keep

 

[taylor t]

The LFS guys told me I could put anything in my tank as long as my levels were okay (which they were yesterday) but I'm assuming this is too much too soon for my new tank.. So my question is- is my nem dying? Should I remove it?

I would find a new LFS to deal with. Typically, a tank needs to be established, and that all depends on your experience, and what you seeded it with. It can range from days to a year or more, typically I see the boards say 6 months for an anemone. When you understand what's involved, you can have an anemone in a tank a day old, flip side, there are reefers that have years experience that still struggle to keep the basics. I would bring it back to the LFS and read more. Best of luck.

 

[MikeyAl]

I would find a new LFS to deal with. Typically, a tank needs to be established, and that all depends on your experience, and what you seeded it with. It can range from days to a year or more, typically I see the boards say 6 months for an anemone. When you understand what's involved, you can have an anemone in a tank a day old, flip side, there are reefers that have years experience that still struggle to keep the basics. I would bring it back to the LFS and read more. Best of luck.

Agree completely. Tough animals to keep. An established tank is best- others may scoff at the 6-month rule and say it's old thinking. However, I have always found that rule to be spot on.


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