Moving anemone

[AaronUK84]

So we've had a new anemone for around 2 weeks. Its found it's place but that's in front of the flow/return ports on the left side of our tank (there are one of each each side) is there any point trying to move it? And how do I go about moving it safely? I've pointed a powered at it as some of the YouTube videos suggest. But it's host to 2 clowns and an anemone crab. Its not in an ideal place but what do you guys suggest?
It's moved across to the left from this pic and is covering the flow from the pump [emoji23]

 

[James M]

Just let it be, It’s going to keep moving until it’s comfortable.

 

[davocean]

You need to make sure it does not get sucked into any pumps or intakes.
It looks like it's seeking more light maybe, or went to higher flow area.

When they are on glass it's fairly easy to remove, an old credit card or similar to lift under foot.

Post a pic of foot/base so we can ID and suggest best location for it.

 

[DFR]

Sounds like it’s time to add another aquarium to the collection! Just kidding, I’d leave it where it settled.

 

[AaronUK84]

It's not causing a problem at the moment but if it goes any further it may reduce the return volume of water and I'm worried about the pump pumping more water in than the return can take away [emoji28]

 

[DFR]

Wow, it is literally covering the return nozzle. They typically move until they find somewhere they like. If it’s been moving around toward the top portion of the tank for the majority of the time, it is probably looking for more light. Continue to monitor it. If it starts getting closer to the powerhead, then I’d intervene. Thankfully it is on the glass so the entire foot is accessible if you decide to remove it (which will minimize chance of damaging the foot). As previously mentioned, I would also recommend a credit card if you decide to remove it. Chances are, moving it will not stop it from roaming, so I’d just let it do it’s thing.

 

[D-Nak]

It's a H. magnifica. They like flat surfaces which is why it's on the glass. I would move it using the credit card method that davocean recommended. You can start by using the credit card, then slip your finger underneath the edge of the foot to gently dislodge it.

It's best to create an island for it (where it can't "feel" the walls), one with a nice, flat top. If you're not sure what it should look like, watch Finding Nemo, LOL.


IME once they have this, they stay put. Flow and lighting (assuming you have an adequate amount of both, which most of us with reef tanks do) actually aren't an issue as long as their foot is firmly in place. If they cant firmly secure their foot -- firm meaning it's spread out completely like the edges of a fried egg--they'll keep moving around.

There are a few reasons why I would move it instead of leaving it where it is:

1. It looks odd, doesn't look natural
2. If light is partially blocked it may bleach in those areas
3. When they reach the surface of the water, part of the foot is exposed and not secure, which could lead to problems
4. The tentacles at the top are never able to move freely and will periodically deflate
5. It may walk around the side of the tank and get sucked into the powerhead
6. See #1

 

[davocean]

It's a H. magnifica. They like flat surfaces which is why it's on the glass. I would move it using the credit card method that davocean recommended. You can start by using the credit card, then slip your finger underneath the edge of the foot to gently dislodge it.

It's best to create an island for it (where it can't "feel" the walls), one with a nice, flat top. If you're not sure what it should look like, watch Finding Nemo, LOL.


IME once they have this, they stay put. Flow and lighting (assuming you have an adequate amount of both, which most of us with reef tanks do) actually aren't an issue as long as their foot is firmly in place. If they cant firmly secure their foot -- firm meaning it's spread out completely like the edges of a fried egg--they'll keep moving around.

There are a few reasons why I would move it instead of leaving it where it is:

1. It looks odd, doesn't look natural
2. If light is partially blocked it may bleach in those areas
3. When they reach the surface of the water, part of the foot is exposed and not secure, which could lead to problems
4. The tentacles at the top are never able to move freely and will periodically deflate
5. It may walk around the side of the tank and get sucked into the powerhead
6. See #1

This, and exactly why I asked to see foot, I suspected this was a mag.

I agree, given a perch on a rock high up and fairly smooth rock they will stay put reaching for light, and as long as their tentacles do not touch glass, that is where they will stay.

 

[AaronUK84]

Ok so we don't have a very deep tank anyway so I braved it and moved him. Took around half hour and was gentle with an old credit card. Has looking a bit deflated but tentacles are all still out and hopefully he's not too bruised (if that's a thing) and hel like his new spot.

 

[D-Nak]

I think its a good spot. The only potential issue I see -- and this is hard to discern in the photo -- is that the nem may try to walk back and will eventually touch the back wall. Hopefully the rock is placed in a way where there is a gap wide enough where it can't walk back, and also can't touch the back wall with any of its tentacles.

 

[AaronUK84]

Yeah it's walked back to the glass. [emoji24]
Wel be doing a water change later today so might have a move around and make it a little harder for it to get around.