Mag Movement?

[radiata]

Has anyone devised a way to stop Mags from moving around the tank? I just had a Mag get blown apart by a Tunze powerhead. It started moving toward the Tunze, and then started getting blown apart by the Tunze's current about six inches before it ever reached the pump. The Mag could have been sick, but I've had it since 12/26/13, and it was eating well and hosting a pair of Nigrepes clowns.

If one were actually able to construct a suitable rock that made it difficult for the Mag to move off of, would it move off anyway (if it was unhappy) by simply letting go of the rock and casting itself into the currents?

If there is no "suitable rock" are there any metrics on what Mags like and will cause them to stay put? (Lighting, PAR, lighting coloration, reef water movement?)

The only "happy" Mags/Ritteris I've seen in the past were those that found their way to a spot in the center of a (dealer's) tank, one third of the way to the top, with their butt's stuck on the front glass. I think this could be caused by alternating pumps pointed at the spot they chose, but really don't know...

 

[worm5406]

You have named most of the reasons that they move and stay still.

There is no way to keep them in place. If we made such a ledge system it would only let go and float to another location. It is all about survival. It would rather go to another location and try than sit still on a pedistal.

Remember this is not a frag plug where you can super glue the foot, that would cause damage as it is tissue, anyway.

They are in the top of a tank, foot side to the front, because they get the most light and the most flow.

I had one that was in the middle and very happy. After a 7 day vacation it moved to the top of a ledge closer to one of the power heads. Hummm... if the power head cover was replaced, like shown, it would have continued to like the flow and stayed put, but the cover was dirty/clogged and the ritteri moved toward the better flow.