Moving a carpet anemone

[bmackcw]

I picked up a huge piece of LR from craigslist because it has two large carpet anemones on it. I don't want the rock (gonna crush it for rubble).

I just read somewhere that I could hang the rock upside down out of the tank, and they'll let go?

They've buried themselves deep in the nooks of the rock. I can't pick them off.

Thoughts?

 

[D-Nak]

If you're careful you can use a hammer and chisel to break the rock around the anemone. Obviously, just don't chisel the nem. I've done this a several times to remove nems from rocks. It works better than hanging the rock because you risk tearing or ripping the nem.

 

[Keoki18]

if you're careful you can use a hammer and chisel to break the rock around the anemone. Obviously, just don't chisel the nem. I've done this a several times to remove nems from rocks. It works better than hanging the rock because you risk tearing or ripping the nem.

+1

 

[bmackcw]

Yep. I was thinking that - just wondering if there was an "easier" way. Anyone know how long they can stay out of water? I imagine using a chisel won't be a quick job...

 

[D-Nak]

Yep. I was thinking that - just wondering if there was an "easier" way. Anyone know how long they can stay out of water? I imagine using a chisel won't be a quick job...

Depending on the type of carpet, some live in tidal areas where they are sometimes completely exposed to air. Furthermore, many wholesalers/exporters ship their nems "dry" (without extra water, just enough to keep them wet).

If you decide to use the chisel method, I don't think there's a need to rush to get the nem back into the water. Of course, the quicker you do it, the less stress on the nem.