creaturemd
New member
I have a 110 gallon reef setup with a large S. Haddoni that has been thriving for about 6 months. About three weeks ago, I added a new lta. The specimen appeared healthy at my lfs and was firmly attached to a small piece of live rock. I selected a spot on the opposite side of the tank from my carpet. A live rock barrier separates the two. I dug a hole in the sand in an area where the sand is about 6 inches deep and placed the anemone's base (foot attached to his live rock) in the hole. I then gently pushed enough sand around the base to cover his foot. He remained like this for only two days, then pulled his foot out of the sand. He then spent two days just lying on top of the sand. He would turn his oral disc upright and appear completely healthy and normal except for being unattached. I then noticed that he was collecting small pieces of rock, shells, and coral rubble with his foot. I thought he was looking for a rock to which he could attach. I offered a small piece of live rock with a depression in the center just the right size for his foot. He attached quickly and remained there seemingly contentedly for about a week. He ate well every 2 to 3 days and produced small amounts of normal-appearing egesta. Then he began to gradually pull one side of his foot away from the rock. He continued to eat and remained inflated but each day he pulled a little more of his foot away until he was attached by only a small edge of his pedal disc. At this point, I removed the rock and created another spot amidst several pieces of live rock where he would be directly on the sand but protected on all sides from drifting. This location was also in an area of more direct light. He has now been in this new location for about a week. He has managed to edge over to one of the pieces of live rock and has a small portion of his pedal disc attached. The rest of his column is resting on the sand. He makes no attempt to bury his foot. He has no obvious lesions anywhere. His foot and column are completely intact. He continues to look great otherwise and is eating regularly. His mouth is closed and flat. What gives?!?! This situation is especially frustrating as it is uncomfortably similar to several previous experiences I have had with this particular species. All ended badly. All of my parameters are within normal limits. Temperatures fluctuate between 77 and 80. I have two 250 watt 10K MH bulbs with four 65 watt pc actinics. I run a miracle mud refugium, phosban reactor, uv sterilizer, and protien skimmer. This is supposed to be one of the hardier species. Since he is eating well and seems otherwise healthy, I feel that he could be saved if I only knew the problem. I have to be doing something wrong! My carpet is thriving and has actually grown appreciably in the last 6 months. Any advice any one can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
