Struggling with sick Malu

[Silfer]

I have a Heteractis Malu, true Malu not a Crispa.

Had it for about 4 months now and it's never been right.

When I first got it it was okay for a week or so then rapidly went downhill. It wouldn't take foot or open much.

I setup a small tank and treated it for 5 days with an antibiotic, it took foot in the qt tank and looked a bit better. But soon after putting it back to my main tank it declined again.

Now it just sits in a low flow area, tentacles retracted heavily (feeding off its tentacles?). Lighting is fine, have a key 4 led and my sps are all growing great, nutrients very low as I use an algae turf scrubber.

What can I do for it? Can't feed it as it won't accept anything.

 

[worm5406]

What if you modify the flow some and put it on it?

 

[Silfer]

I will try that tomorrow, thanks. I have a plastic tub with my sun coral in that I float on the surface. Trying to help that too. Will try it that way.

Could a bta be causing issues with the Malu? I have 2 which are very healthy and growing fast.

Cheers

 

[Rippinfrags]

h. Malu's are pretty finicky until they settle in. check over the foot and make sure there are no holes or cuts. How deep is your sand bed?

 

[LesMartin]

Is it bleached ? I have two H.malu and neither fed or expanded their tentacles until they regained colour which took about two months. Once colour had returned they both expand and feed very willingly.

 

[Silfer]

There was a hole in its foot early on but it healed with antibiotic treatment. This was a good couple months back. It is not bleached but it stays so small.

Sand bed in its area must be about 4-5" deep.

It actually ate a small bit of raw prawn today, using the floating tub method and placing it directly on top of its mouth.