Purple Gig wont put its foot down ?

[D-Nak]

As I mentioned, in your case, since the gig wasn't attaching there must've been something wrong with its foot. Sounds like there were lacerations, and those easily get infected and is probably one of the reasons a lot of anemones die (the injuries typically occur when collectors try to pry them off rocks).

This was compounded by the fact that most -- I'd venture to guess 90%+ -- gigs that are imported have an internal infection that develops during collection/transport. Most people can't see the signs from the onset since the signs are subtle (you have to have experience with healthy gigs to see the signs of a sick one) and by the time the gigs are treated with Cipro it's often too late.

Don't be too hard on yourself. This happens -- unfortunately -- quite a bit. Treat it as a learning experience, just promise yourself that if you want another gig you'll QT it from the start and will do more research. The initial days with a new gig are the most crucial in terms of monitoring its health. The sad part is that this is when they typically look the best, so monitor these boards and pay careful attention to photos of other gigs getting acclimated. You'll see a definite pattern and will know what you will need to look out for the next time.

 

[D-Nak]

Often times that is the problem to be honest.. there has been discussion here about whether it just makes sense to ALWAYS treat a newly acquired Gigantea regardless of how it looks since these issues are internal in nature. I myself acquired a purple gigantea that looked 10x more bleached than yours, never treated it, and to this day has thrived.. Sometimes it is just luck, but the concenus now a days I think around here is treating regardless isn't a bad idea.

I completely agree with this. Bleached nems that came in around the same time as yours all did well. My hypothesis is that the nems were held on the export end long enough to bleach, which of course means the zoox died. However, this benefitted the nem because the zoox didn't die in transport, and the nem didn't have to hold onto the dead zoox internally -- which caused it to turn hard and "rat-poop-like" and led to infection (or the infection caused it to turn hard). Again, all anecdotal. Since gigs are internally infected, by the time it manifests into problems we can see externally, it's too late.

Lack of experience -- and this is no fault of the purchaser -- is the main reason gigs are not treated when they should. Many hold out thinking they'll get better on their own, or that they look good when they actually don't.

I personally feel that this is the main reason why all gigs should be treated prophylactically: treating for a potential problem is better than no treatment, especially since those who know (nem enthusiasts who are also doctors of internal medicine -- wink-wink) say that Cipro probably won't harm a healthy gig.

 

[darrenduds20]

Thank you for the replies .

I had a green gig for 1 year , so thought i had a pretty good knowledge of them , the green one was of the bloke that got over 10 into the uk and treated them all .
As you say it must of been the lacerations and it was probably ill .

I had a green on order before i knew this one was ill and that arrived today , here are some pictures , i hope to have better luck with this one .

 

[darrenduds20]

Who thinks i should treat it straight from the off then , just to be safe ?

 

[xtlosx]

Hoping that picture was from the introduction, because that is a very unhealthy looking gig.. Any picture of how it looked a year later?

 

[darrenduds20]

Sorry that is the new one i had on order that arrived today , i will try find some pictures of the one i used to have .

 

[darrenduds20]

It was put in a couple of hours ago .

 

[D-Nak]

That's actually a really good example of a sick gig. Treat it now.

Sick gigs:

1. Have an open mouth, siphonoglyphs are sometimes exposed
2. They have a balding appearance (as if rows of tentacles are missing)
3. They have a pastel color and lack brown pigment
4. Don't appear to have the ability to "hold" themselves
5. Have an uncharacteristic "puffy" look

Keep in mind that there are subtle differences between gigs that are merely acclimating and those that are sick. My opinion is that if they show signs of two or more of the above symptoms for more than a few hours, then treat them immediately.

 

[darrenduds20]

Do you not think i should give it a few hours to see if it improves or just treat it straight away ? its only been in a max of 2 hours .

 

[darrenduds20]

? sorry for being so impatient i just need to get the qt cleaned out and resetup

 

[xtlosx]

? sorry for being so impatient i just need to get the qt cleaned out and resetup

I would QT and treat it because otherwise, that guy doesn't look too healthy to be honest. When mine went in totally untreated it's mouth never looked like that and was not that bald, etc, just bleached.

I would treat it, and in general, any new gig you get should go into a HT to be observed. If it looks like that, I would def treat it right away to give it a fighting chance. The color looks good, but balding, mouth open, and like was said, the puffy pancakey appearance implies ill health.

 

[D-Nak]

I think you could wait if you want, but I highly doubt it'll improve. Definitely reset the QT just in case.

My protocol when receiving a new nem (any, not limited to just gigs) is to put it directly in QT for observation. If it shows any signs of stress after a few hours, I plan on treating with Cipro that evening at lights out. I've done this numerous times now (gigs, haddoni, BTAs) with a fairly high success rate. My only loss was a red haddoni (ouch!).

 

[Pinkskunk]

i follow the same routine as you, no new gigs enter my tank without QT, i have too much to lose if i dont. i would rather lose the new one then to let it take out all others.

I think you could wait if you want, but I highly doubt it'll improve. Definitely reset the QT just in case.

My protocol when receiving a new nem (any, not limited to just gigs) is to put it directly in QT for observation. If it shows any signs of stress after a few hours, I plan on treating with Cipro that evening at lights out. I've done this numerous times now (gigs, haddoni, BTAs) .

 

[darrenduds20]

Well i put it in qt and gave it its first dose of cipro , it didnt respond too well .

 

[xtlosx]

give it time, and make sure it's dark when you do the cipro.. I would put cipro in, turn off lights and do WC in the morning.

Good luck keep us posted.

 

[darrenduds20]

Thank you , it is dark it was just the flash of my camera .

 

[darrenduds20]

The water has gone slightly cloudy ? Has no one else had this issue? It happened last time and the nem died so I am slightly worried

 

[darrenduds20]

It's now gone very cloudy, I am using the correct dose etc.

 

[D-Nak]

It should be 250 mg per 10 gal of water. I take the tablet and dissolve by rubbing it between my fingers in front of the powerhead. There is slight clouding, but it goes away quickly. Where did you obtain your Cipro? Was it from a reputable source? Mine was via a prescription. I ordered "Fish Flox" online but was too scared to try it.

 

[xtlosx]

It's now gone very cloudy, I am using the correct dose etc.

You didn't get your cipro from the guy hanging out in at the park after dark did you?