will feather dusters move on their own?

[sinful]

I bought a feather duster today and curious if I should put him where I want him or does he move on his own and will find his own place?

 

[mflamb]

I've never seen one move.

 

[ReefArtist]

No, not at least around the tank. They can move up and down in the tube but that is about it. Also as they make their tube larger - but that's it. If you ever find your worm out of the tube - it is possibly dying. They do need to be in a rather established tank - not sure if you knew that.

Here are some good articles on them:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/feather.htm
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-05/rs/index.php

 

[sinful]

thanks for the links, very interesting. I just can't find a good place for him, if I put him on a rock he always ends up falling off. I have him on the sandbed now and he seems happy, from what I can tell. Any recomendations for placement of him?

they dont have any kind of light requirements do they?

 

[ReefArtist]

Yes they belong on the sand - lower light not really that much of a light requirement. You should cover-up the tube (leaving the head out and a little of it's body). From what I understand this helps protect the worms tube. If you don't like them directly in the sand you can lay their tube over a small rock (or simular) on the bottom and only cover part of the tube. (JMO and what I have read)

Also you'll need to be careful with your selection of fish with the tube worm - my Mimic Tang and or Wrasse (both had been picking at it) got one of mine the first day he was placed in the tank. I found the feathers in one location and the tube was in good shape but I had to put them in my refugium until my 29g is cycled.