My husband went shopping while I was at work Saturday and he bought this anemone and can't even remember the name!! Today I test my ammonia levels and they were through the roof. I did a 15 gallon water change in my 90 gallon tank but the darn thing isn't attaching and I have no idea if this thing is even alive or healthy. We are new to reefs and corals and anemones. I have only had fish only and I like to research and take my time before adding anything new
Anemone won't attach
- Thread starter mandylv23
- Start date
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The tank was bought used, it was a 3 year old tank that was taken down and put back up at our home....within 24 hours. That was only two months ago. I have been taking my time cycling this with only two clowns, lawnmower blenny, snails and hermit crabs. My husband wants to just rush things.
Temp 78
Ph 8.3
Salinity 1.023
Not sure about ALK but we do use
RO/DI filter for water changes if that helps.
Temp 78
Ph 8.3
Salinity 1.023
Not sure about ALK but we do use
RO/DI filter for water changes if that helps.
melypr1985
totally addicted
I always cringe when people buy a setup with livestock and everything in it, take it down and set it back up the way it was. Reusing the old sand can cause issues and you never know what bad things the seller was dealing with before it was sold. Its ok though, that's not a terrible thing. I would
also slowly raise your salinity up to 1.025 or 1.026 that may help. Anemones need a more mature tank with stable parameters, exceptional lighting and proper flow to do well. I'm no expert on them, but i know the basics. I'm sure somebody can help you with what to do now that the nem is in the tank. I can't remember who all knows a lot about them... maybe @Tahoe61 ?
also slowly raise your salinity up to 1.025 or 1.026 that may help. Anemones need a more mature tank with stable parameters, exceptional lighting and proper flow to do well. I'm no expert on them, but i know the basics. I'm sure somebody can help you with what to do now that the nem is in the tank. I can't remember who all knows a lot about them... maybe @Tahoe61 ?
The image looks like stressed Bubble Tip Anemone.
I would try using a piece of wide diameter pvc and placing the anemone's base/column/foot in that, near the base of the rocks in a lower flow area. If you do not have any pvc try making a depression in the sand near the base of some rock in a low flow area.
Regardless though if you have a significant detectable ammonia level, odds are bad for the anemone. Are you using an API test kit? What is the value? I doubt the store would take the anemone back. You're going to have to do more water changes or rehome the anemone if your tank is still in cycle mode.
You can trying adding some Microbacter7 or Dr.Tims One and Only to enhance the biological filter.
I would try using a piece of wide diameter pvc and placing the anemone's base/column/foot in that, near the base of the rocks in a lower flow area. If you do not have any pvc try making a depression in the sand near the base of some rock in a low flow area.
Regardless though if you have a significant detectable ammonia level, odds are bad for the anemone. Are you using an API test kit? What is the value? I doubt the store would take the anemone back. You're going to have to do more water changes or rehome the anemone if your tank is still in cycle mode.
You can trying adding some Microbacter7 or Dr.Tims One and Only to enhance the biological filter.
I didn't reuse the sand I bought new agronite sand. I also soaked the live rock overnight in salt water before putting back into the tank, I also cleaned my tank and sump with a good scrub down of water and vinegar, it also cycled with just the sand and LR for about two weeks before I even put any snails or crabs.....I was taking this slow....but my husband is impatient thanks for the advice.... I do have a 39 gallon that's older and more established but it's an aggressive tank and I didn't want to stress it out anymore by moving it again
Jimbo662
2500 Club Member
Good lesson for your husband here...rushing anything with a reef tank is never a good idea...usually equals setbacks / failures. 
The main rule of thumb with an anemone is that it's going to do what it wants to do. Some will move around the tank for weeks before it finds a spot that it likes. Make sure your powerheads have a foam cover over them to prevent it from getting sucked in.
The main rule of thumb with an anemone is that it's going to do what it wants to do. Some will move around the tank for weeks before it finds a spot that it likes. Make sure your powerheads have a foam cover over them to prevent it from getting sucked in.
