PVC - how to?

[nehsmit]

So I have technical questions on how to use the PVC with an LTA. I have been trying to get my LTA to attach without any significant luck. I got him last Thursday and have tried all different things including digging a hole to glass bottom, placing him there, make sure pumps are off and slowly build up sand around until its at the disc level. Next morning---hes out!!! Last night I dug a hole near a rock edge and placed him there. This morning he is still in same area, but fell over and difficult to tell if attached.

I was thinking of trying getting a piece of PVC 3inches in diamter and about 3-4 inches high.

Do I put it down on the glass first, then place him into it? And does the pvc stay there forever?

Also, should he be up against the sides of the pvc or should there be sand between him and the pvc pipe?

Should I bury the pvc or just wait to see if he attaches before pushing the sand back up against it?

Anyone have tips to help? Any successes in the past. Please help as Im concerned he will get hurt drifting around the sand bed bumping into the LR.

Here is a pic of what he looked like when I first placed him in the tank. Should I change the dimensions of the PVC?

 

[ousnakebyte]

I've been using the pvc method for almost 10 years with a LTA and S. haddoni.

I would make the length about 6" - the 3" diameter is good. Glue a cap on one end and then fill the tube about 1/2 - 3/4 full of sand. Here you can then stand the pvc pipe on its end (cap down) and place the anemone, foot first, in the pipe. Leave it there standing upright for at least a few hours, maybe even overnight.

After at least a day, I would assume that the anemone will be attached. Now, you can lay the pipe on its side almost anywhere you want. Cover it with rocks, glue some star polyps on it... whatever.

Cheers
Mike

 

[ousnakebyte]

I've been using the pvc method for almost 10 years with a LTA and S. haddoni.

I would make the length about 6" - the 3" diameter is good. Glue a cap on one end and then fill the tube about 1/2 - 3/4 full of sand. Here you can then stand the pvc pipe on its end (cap down) and place the anemone, foot first, in the pipe. Leave it there standing upright for at least a few hours, maybe even overnight.

After at least a day, I would assume that the anemone will be attached. Now, you can lay the pipe on its side almost anywhere you want. Cover it with rocks, glue some star polyps on it... whatever.

Cheers
Mike

 

[nehsmit]

But what prevents the LTA from not attaching and leaving the PVC pipe? Ive been trying to put him on the glass and burying him up to the disc and sure enough, the next day he is out again? Why do I need to put sand in the pvc?

SOrry for all the noob questions. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[skinpuppi]

A staple or nail gun should do the trick

 

[nehsmit]

Thx. Seriously, Anyone.

 

[nehsmit]

So 3" PVC looks pretty wide and 2" may be tight. Do I go with larger so he has room to expand or go with snug so he can only get longer but not wider? Thanks all.

 

[ousnakebyte]

I go with the larger - leave room for growth. You may not need the sand, but as I understand it, these anemones like to dig in the sand, but it may very well attach to the pvc. Some of the sand will definitely be displaced. I assume the rest fills in around the anemone and makes it feel more "natural."

Mike

 

[nehsmit]

So I used a 3" PVC pipe that is approx deep. What do u think? There is ALOT of space between him and the side walls. Do I need to fill it in with sand or just leave the empty space around him and the pipe?

Ifi lie this flat, won't his disc be up/down rather than horizontal and level with the sand?

Thanks again

 

[ousnakebyte]

Looks like a good start. If you haven't already, give it a day or so to attach properly and leave it sitting like it is in the photo.

No, when you lay it on its side, the oral disc will not be facing down but rather... sideways, facing the front of the glass.

Here is a pic of my old 75 gallon, with an LTA inside a pvc pipe w/ cap sitting on the bottom with the pvc/anemone on it side. The pipe is buried under the rockwork under the cap and seriatopora.

Can you see the pvc? Me either...

Cheers
Mike

 

[Bratyboy2]

Great idea!