Saving a neglected carpet anenome

Matthias7 · Jul 4, 2015

I was recently given a carpet anemone that was banished to a sump because it had eaten a fish. I had seen the anemone in the display prior to its banishment and it looked heathy. When I recieved it, it has been in the sump for about a month. It had gone from green to white and lost more than half its size. I have had it for about 2 weeks now and it seems to be doing fine. My question is how often should I feed it to bring it back around, and what is the best food to help its recovery? Silversides ok? Currently I am just feeding it some frozen mysis from time to time, but i have the feeling it needs much more

eatbreakfast · Jul 4, 2015

Anything meaty will do. I find that sinking pellets are easiest. The more frequently you feed the faster it will turn around.

Reefahholic · Jul 4, 2015

Any seafood medley from local grocery store. Here in Texas I get mine from HEB, Kroger, Walmart, etc.

No silversides. Although I have seen no direct evidence of this, it has been noted that silversides have been contaminated and killed a few anemones. So feeding anything for human consumption that's meaty seafood.

Reefahholic · Jul 4, 2015

Ohh... And feeding 1-2x a week and very small pieces is a great practice to keep a healthy nem. However, if you do not want it to get large, limit his feedings and size of feedings. Or don't feed at all.

dangros · Jul 5, 2015

I think it's more important to have good and consistent water quality than to feed a lot. By consistent, I mean constant temps and parameters. They dont have to dead center perfect, however. Apex controllers do wonders with controlling the heater! I went from 1 - 2 degree temp swings to .5 or less. My anems seem to get enough food from general feeding and have no issues if I feed directly once in a blue moon

redfishbluefish · Jul 5, 2015

I'm in agreement with @dangros.......but with the addition of good quality light along with that quality water. I received two mini/maxi anemones (a variety of carpet anemones) that were in bad shape.....all white. It took a number of months, but both came around with quality water and a good light source....with very light feeding. Here is one of those anemones as recieved, and a couple months later:

AS RECEIVED:

A COUPLE MONTHS LATER:

Reefahholic · Jul 6, 2015

Trex · Jul 6, 2015

What size tank do you have?
What lights?
What fish do you have?

Would stay away from silversides. I lost an otherwise healthy H. malu to their use.

Smaller feedings are better -- easier for it to digest. Large feedings aren't always fully digested and can foul the interior water of the anemone.
Keep track of your parameters, increased feedings will have an affect, as will the increased health of the anemone.

Matthias7 · Jul 7, 2015

It's a 90 gallon cube. Has a reefbreeders fixture + 4 bulb t5. Have 5 fish in there at the moment. All seem to be doing great. The anenome is fine it's color has started to come back it's just 1/4 the size it was before they banished it to the sump.

spotlessaqua · Jul 7, 2015

It looks as if it's a "maxi anemone" possibly from Australia if I'm not mistaken and yes a "type" of carpet when color restores it should look incredible! I like to feed along with krill and silverside sent through a blender then add a small dose of coral frenzy and phytofeast, roe wouldn't hurt! Note: dilute with tank water at least 50/50 food/water, to not smother the coral

dose small feeding in water column 10 min before "spot" feeding to entice tentacle extension then

spotlessaqua · Jul 8, 2015

A nutrient balanced tank should restore health slowly don't try and add excessive because it needs to restore health, just do what keeps livestock happy in your tank not more while things are recovering