Flower nem will not attach

Nikita1981 · May 25, 2018

I have a very happy rock nem garden and got a new inhabitant shipped 2 days ago. It appears healthy, no damage, but it will not stick to nothing.

I am used to them attaching minutes but I can't figure out what's wrong. I put it in a small glass for now to prevent it from floating behind the rockwork.

What to do?

nautical_nathaniel · May 25, 2018

Give it a couple of days to get used to the tank, it will probably try to start attaching to a solid surface after a little adjustment period, that's what mine did at least.

Nikita1981 · May 28, 2018

Day 5 and still no sign of attempts to attach its foot. No signs of external damage, only a little gaping. So it is definitely stressed. Any tips?

There are around 10 rock nems in the tank and they are all fine. Can't figure out what the problem is...

reef lover · May 28, 2018

Very odd...Looks like u have in a safe spot....try feeding him a little see if u get a response....the foot looks good, just balled up...

Nikita1981 · May 28, 2018

Not good...it starts to gape

View attachment 20180528_143105.jpg

29bonsaireef · May 28, 2018

Probably the lighting. Too much, or not enough..

Nikita1981 · May 28, 2018

But it seems perfect for the other nems and I have more from the same shop...that does not make sense to me.

29bonsaireef · May 28, 2018

Really just depends on the actual nem. I used to collect rock nems for years and while they are extremely hardy. There's always those few that are just doomed from the start. If they drift around not wanting to attach this is usually a lighting issue. Some come from very shallow waters. Others 30-40ft, in silty water where the light does not penetrate well. LEDs can really **** them off when acclimating. I would move it to a corner of the tank or an area of less direct light and let it be. Hopefully it will turn around for you.

Nikita1981 · May 28, 2018

I will put it in a low light area and leave it alone...I guess feeding is out of the question now? Think it will only stress it more ...

29bonsaireef · May 28, 2018

Yes, I would not try feeding it until the mouth is closed tightly again. When I kept rock flowers I wouldn't feed anything but normal fish food.

Nikita1981 · May 28, 2018

I moved it with the glass bowl to the back of the tank. Low light and gentle flow. Fingers crossed.

Did you ever see one come back to health from this condition? Does it have a chance or is it most likely already a goner?

29bonsaireef · May 28, 2018

Yes, I've seen them come back from rough condition. If they have an infection that is worst case. Letting it be will be the best thing for it. If you can put some small rock/rubble in the container with it, it may entice it to attach. They don't like super smooth surface to attach their foot.

reef lover · May 28, 2018

Bummer...you could try cipro...

Nikita1981 · May 28, 2018

Can't. In Holland you can not buy cipro, or any antibiotic without a doctor's prescription. I have already a small rock in the glass bowl but will look for some more rubble tomorrow.