Rose Anemone

Chris11

New member
Well I have been lurking here for quit some time so I guess I should go ahead and introduce myself. I have keep tanks off and on for twelve years. Most have been fresh water. I ventured into salt when I got my 90 gallon display tank. I have a 55 gallon sump that holds about thirty gallons. Filtration is done though a live rock, protein skimmer and deep sand bed. The display tank is in the living room with the sump plumbed out to the garage.

I recently purchased a rose anemone and it seems to be acting weird. When I fist got the anemone it was withdrawn not extending its tentacles very much. The next morning it had moved and was residing under a rock. With its foot under a ledge and the tentacles extended into the water column. That night I turned off a black light that I was running to see it was hiding due to the light. After changing the light it came out and opened up. All was good tell the next morning. When I checked that morning it had with draw so that it was completely under the rocks. Is this normal behavior for a new anemone?
 
What kind of lights do you have? How many watts? How many lights? What color temp are the lights?

How long has this tank been setup?

Give us your numbers and levels and I'm sure somebody here will be able to help.
 
I've had an RBTA for about a year and a half (actually 2, since the one split). They both retract and expand throughout the day, so don't worry if it retracts under a rock once in a while, it's normal. Now, if it starts moving around constantly, then it's probably unhappy. A stationary foot is a happy anemone, IME.

Concerning the black light, I'm not sure if it's a great idea. I've heard one case where some corals melted in a guy's tank, and he attributed it to the black light. Could be coincidence though.
 
Welcome to Reef Central!

I have two RBTA's (my original one has split twice) and it is very normal for them to hide from the lights.

I have built caves for them to crawl up under and they are sometimes out in the light and fully extended and other times curled up in a ball with almost no tentacles visible.

I have even had them disappear for a few weeks only to show up under the rocks somewhere else.

I wouldn't be concerned as long as they don't start having mouth-gaping-open issues or getting too close to the powerheads.

I have found my RTBA's to be a highlight of the tank.

Good luck!

HTH

Robert
 
Thanks for all the replays. I have completely removed the black light bulb from my system. While I do not have proof that it was hurting anything I did notice my aiptasia population was diminishing. The tank has been up and running for 10 months never had any problems with it. As far as lighting goes I’m not sure of the power output I would have to look when I get home. But every thing grows really good in the system. In fact I have something that is growing like a weed. I think it might be some sort of soft corral. It has purple and pink base with sprouting fingers that retract at night. It might be a Starburst Polyp of some type.

Thanks Chris
 
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