How little sand can I get away with for a LTA

[SDguy]

I purchased a small LTA (Macrodactyla doreensis). I would like to set up a patch of sand for it (a container, shell, whatever). I would like to know what size/depth of sand I need. And has anyone else done this in their BB tank? TIA

 

[illcssd]

I would suggest around 4 inches.

 

[SDguy]

And how fine? And how large a spread?

Thanks.

 

[traveller7]

I try to use 3" and surround the sand with rubble, this is H. crispa, but you get the point:

 

[SDguy]

OK, thanks, that's kind of what I was going for. Any ideas on making the outside of the container more attractive? Maybe attach small pieces of LR to the outside of the container.


A local reefer suggested a large conch shell as a container, but I don't think I have that much room to fit the shell down there

 

[traveller7]

I have set the tupperware in the center of the live rock pile, but in my application, that makes it tough to move the anemones around when I need to create more space between clown pairs.

Good luck

 

[SDguy]

Ah, I see. Ok. One last question. Does grain size matter. My sand is very fine. I can't imagine how the anemone could even begin to wiggle its foot in.

 

[traveller7]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9742229#post9742229 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SDguy
Ah, I see. Ok. One last question. Does grain size matter. My sand is very fine. I can't imagine how the anemone could even begin to wiggle its foot in.

Most of mine are in sugar sized oolithic sand as well.

I dig a depression, place the anemone, place a good sized rock next to the anemone, fill with sand, cover sand with additional rubble.

Goal is to have the anemone attach under the rock, be surrounded by sand, and keep your clowns from blowing the sand all over the place ;>)

 

[SDguy]

Thanks for all the help Now to try and do all that at the very bottom of my 31" tall tank :eek1:

 

[traveller7]

I share your pain ;>)

 

[SDguy]

Well, it's going back to the store I was prepared for walking around, but not launching itself into open water and floating around. Taking precautions for an anemone in my tank is one thing....I'm certainly not set up for a jellyfish, as it were.

Thanks for all the help though.

 

[davocean]

Dude, you just got it, you really aren't going to quit that easy are you?
They don't just launch around the tank.
You can do it if you really want it, but it may take a day or 3 to attach.
Strawberry baskets or similar help.
Place where flow isn't blasting it, in a container of sand, and suround w/ LR.
Once it attaches, it will stay put.
I know you can do it if you really want, unless you're like 60x flow or something.

 

[SDguy]

Forget it. Roaming around the bottom of my tank is one thing. Floating around...no way, not chancing it. I'll happily wear my "quitter" sash, thanks.

And yeah, with a hammerhead CL on a 115g, flow is pretty strong.

 

[davocean]

I understand, that is alot of flow.
Nems do take up alot of coral space.
I was just pushing the I know you're plenty skilled enough.
OG....FRAG TANK!!!

 

[Big E]

I have an H. Malu in my barebottom sps tank with no sand. I initially tried the sand container but it wouldn't attach. I pulled out the container & it took a few days for it to find a spot it liked. It settled in a low flow, low light area.

I've had it for 4 months now & its grown about an inch. I don't think the sand is necessary.

I also didn't expose it to clowns. I wanted it to get settled in without being botherd.

 

[SDguy]

Well, after sleeping on it, I think dave is right in the sense that I should give it all I've got. So looks like I'll be eating a basket of strawberries for lunch today

Will keep you posted.

 

[SDguy]

Alright Dave, you whipped me into shape ...I took the time to make a proper habitat for this animal. Wow, what a pain, considering the initial plastic container had to be put into the tank sideways to make it fit. Oh yeah, and it floats. Oh yeah, so everything you see in it had to be added after it was on the tank floor....31" below my armpit.

Anyways, so far, so good...it has righted itself, and is sticking to the rocks in there. Hopefully it'll settle in. I've turned the CL outlets away from that direct area.

 

[davocean]

Well, I hope the payoff is worth it for you.
Mine came w/ a little extra TLC(little, huh, I bought them a new 180 so they would have more room, well, and for more coral space)
I don't think I could ever part w/ them now.
Get a nice pair of clowns for it to host and it's a whole new fascination exp, watching the symbiotic relationship.
Amazes me still to see one species feed another b4 eating for itself.
Very cool!
Nice color too.

 

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9752356#post9752356 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by davocean
Well, I hope the payoff is worth it for you.
Mine came w/ a little extra TLC(little, huh, I bought them a new 180 so they would have more room, well, and for more coral space)
I don't think I could ever part w/ them now.
Get a nice pair of clowns for it to host and it's a whole new fascination exp, watching the symbiotic relationship.
Amazes me still to see one species feed another b4 eating for itself.
Very cool!
Nice color too.

A healthy settled in specimen is always worth it.

As for the clowns, that part has been taken care of a while ago . Whether or not they will host an LTA remains to be seen. No biggie either way.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Nice looking Macrodactyla
I see a cave in that pic where the anemone might attach it's foot under. You'd be able to eliminate the dish