LTA anenome tentacles stuck to back wall

[Mhmmm21]

Hi my newly purchased LTA anenome was doing fine it burrowed itself into the sand the first day I put it in and was opened very wide. 2 days ago it unlodged itself and now it’s base is very inflated and it’s floating but it’s stuck on the back wall by part of the base and tentacles. Is it stuck or does it want to hold on by the tentacles?

 

[Rtaylor]

It would let go if it wanted. Maybe turn off the flow for a while and see if it settles in.

 

[Mhmmm21]

Yea so I have a jbj 45 gallon and it has 3 small holes going into the sump in the back. I just realized the anenome is actually trying to go through this hole. It might be stuck I tried pulling it back out but was afraid I was hurting him any suggestions?

 

[fishguy242]

shut off pump,most likely being sucked in,
turn off lights ,and observe, once released or moves ,turn pump back on.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Shut off the flow and it will likely extract itself, those holes need nem-proofed.

 

[Mhmmm21]

Thanks for the help it got itself out. A little damaged but I think it should be fine. Any ideas on how to nem proof the holes. Would mesh screens work? Or should I completely cover them?

 

[fishguy242]

mesh should be fine

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Plastic mesh, piece of foam...

 

[Mhmmm21]

Thanks the rips a little worse then I thought what do you guys think chances of recover are?

 

[Rtaylor]

LTA’s are pretty tough. If you keep good water parameters it should recover. If you see it start to decline, may want to put in hospital tank and treat for infection (cipro).

 

[Eagle_Steve]

You should be fine with stabile params

For those holes, I used 3 little pieces of cut up zip ties glued over them. Works great and can be removed later if needed. They are there to keep the pump from running dry due to evap. As long as you have an ATO or top off regularly, then those holes are not needed.

 

[Mhmmm21]

Thanks for all the help guys

 

[Mhmmm21]

Hey it’s been like 2 weeks but the anenome just started moving around the tank again and it looks like it’s insides are coming out. The whole side looks ripped way worse then it was even this morning.

 

[Mhmmm21]

More photos. He’s still moving around tank

 

[Mhmmm21]

He got really small and the tentacles were extremely deflated. He still had color but I didn’t want to risk him falling apart while I was at work so I took him out.