Question with bubble tip anenome

[philr]

Ok,, so I have had this anemone for nearly 2 years. There is a maroon clown that has been paired with it for the entire time. My tank parameters are unchanged 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, sg 1.025, ph 8.3, the nitrates always fluctuate at around 10. That is a problem I have been unable to solve. I have 2 54w actinic bulbs, and 2 150w metal halides.

About 2 weeks ago the anemone began to stay closed up for a day or two. When it expanded it did not reach its fullest size. Then last week it just stayed very small and limp. Now it is really limp and looks bad.

The tank is a 90g. The only recent change was about 3 months ago I added 2 power heads on a wave maker. I learned the hard way many years ago to use a filter bag over the power heads to protect roaming anemones.

The anemone has been attached to one of the return pipes up at the top of the tank. The foot remains even now firmly attached. It has been there for well over a year. I feed it with the rest of the fish a mix of frozen brine shrimp, krill, and squid.

Anyone here have any experience with this?

My experience tells me that as long as the foot is ok the anemone should be as well, but I am getting concerned.

 

[Tahoe61]

Why is the BTA staying at the top of the tank would be my concern. How old are your bulbs?

 

[philr]

Ok - the actinics I just changed today. I change them twice yearly, and they should have been changed in February. The halides I change yearly and they are not scheduled to change till june. I keep the actinics on for 10 hours daily, and the halides for 7 hours.

 

[philr]

I was actually a bit concerned when it moved to the top of the tank. It spent the first 3 months roaming around at the bottom amongst the rock. But again I have learned to let them stay where they are happy. It is planted firmly to the return, right in the middle of the tank. Good lighting and water movement and it has a safe place for its foot.

 

[Tahoe61]

Hmmm, do you think the Maroon might be too rough on the anemone?
Perhaps consider putting up an image if able.

 

[philr]

Yes that is my only thought,,, the clown was very small 2 years ago, an now while much bigger is very protective of the anemone. Not sure if the anemone gets enough food. I tried tonite to feed it directly with a baster. Usually I just spoon food over to it. I will work on a pic, but I wont be able to do so till tomoro.

I also added 1 hour to both the actinics and halides.