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FAQs on Long Tentacle Anemone Disease/Health 3

Related Articles: LTAs, Anemones, Bubble Tip Anemones, Cnidarians, Coldwater Anemones, Colored/Dyed Anemones,

FAQs on LTA Disease: LTA Health/Disease 1, LTA Hlth./Dis. 2, LTA Hlth./Dis. 4, LTA Hlth./Dis.
FAQs on Anemone Disease by Category: Diagnosing, Environmental (Pollution/Poisoning, Lighting...), Nutritional, Social (Allelopathy...), Trauma, Pathogenic (Infectious, Parasitic, Viral) Predatory/Pest, Treatments 
LTA Reproduction
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Related FAQs: LTAs 1, LTAs 2, LTA Identification, LTA Behavior, LTA Compatibility, LTA Selection, LTA Systems, LTA Feeding, LTA Reproduction, Anemones 1, Anemones 2, Anemones 3, Anemones 4, Bubble Tip Anemones, Caribbean Anemones, Condylactis, Aiptasia Anemones, Other Pest Anemones, Anemones and Clownfishes, Anemone Reproduction, Anemone Lighting, Anemone Feeding, Anemone Systems, Anemone Identification, Anemone Compatibility, Anemone Selection, Anemone Behavior, Anemone Health, Anemone Placement,

New Print and eBook on Amazon:  

Anemone Success
Doing what it takes to keep Anemones healthy long-term

by Robert (Bob) Fenner

Long tentacle anemone curled in ball... Killing, sans reading 6/14/10
Hello,
I have a question about my long tentacle anemone I just bought yesterday from my LFS and was wondering if someone could help me. When I bought it, it was about the size of a large saucer plate and had a brown color to it with slightly purple tips. When I first acclimated it to my aquarium it was doing fine with it's tentacles swaying in the water and the same color as when I bought it. It might have moved only about 1/2 inch from where I initially placed it on the sand bed, dug a small hole, and attached itself to the sand bed. I went to bed and when I woke up the next morning I noticed it had shrunk up into a purple ball in the same spot. There was also some brown mucus looking stuff hanging on one of the rocks. I imagine it expelled this overnight. I thought it might have died overnight but I keep checking on it and it seems to be expanding back to it's original size a little, although still very purple in color and small. I haven't tried feeding it yet but thought I would try a small piece of squid soon. The only other thing in with the anemone right now is a maroon clownfish.
<Mmm, may not be compatible... Premnas can be tough on Anemones>

To tell you a little bit about my aquarium, I have a 46 gallon bowfront aquarium equipped with an Aquamedic Turboflotor 1000 multi protein skimmer, a Fluval canister filter, and a heater. I'm not sure of the brand name of the heater but right now I have it turned off because my house stays warm during the summer
<Turn it on, set it on low...>
and the aquarium water is about 83 degrees Fahrenheit without it. The aquarium is also grounded.
<See WWM re such probes>
I'm a little confused to the kind of lighting I need.
<?... Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/anemonelightngfaqs.htm
and the linked files above>
I've only ever had a marine all fish aquarium before for about 3 or 4 years. I got behind on the water changes whenever my son was first born but now he is 16 months old and I wanted to start my tank up again, this time adding some anemones and maybe corals to it. Right now I have one OceanSun 10,000 K fluorescent bulb over my tank.
<... this is insufficient. You didn't read, either before buying this animal, or writing us... >

The light is only 25 watts and it kind of confused me as to why it was so low being that I read that you should have about 2-3 watts per gallon of aquarium water. I'm assuming you're supposed to install more than one bulb but right now my aquarium hood will only hold one light unless I upgrade.
The light also says that it promotes the growth of Zooxanthellae algae.
There is a mixture of sand and dolomite in the tank with some Tufa rock (I have no live rock in my tank yet) and I use well water with stress coat added. I also added Kent marine Superbuffer -dKH to the aquarium about 2 days ago. The salinity is 1.022,
<... too low>

pH is 8.3-8.4, Ammonia is approximately 0.25 ppm (maybe even a little higher),
<toxic>
nitrite is 0 ppm, and nitrate is 0 ppm.
<dismal... see WWM re>

I admit that in being excited to start my tank up again that I didn't condition the tank long enough. I think my LTA might have shriveled either because of my lighting or because of the ammonia or maybe even to just it getting accustomed to being in a new tank. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank You very much.
-Angela
<... read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/macrodoreensis.htm
and the linked files above. What you have here won't work. Bob Fenner>

Re High pH And Tons Of Hair Algae/Lacking Useful Info/Now Toxins/Now Anemone Health 4/26/10
James,
<Dan>
... one other thing. Even though, I've successfully peeled the anemone from the bottom of the bucket and tank (several times over the years), I still worry about hurting it's foot as it's delicacy has been noted many times in
the postings of WetWeb. Should I put an ice cube under the bucket in order to entice it to detach?
<It may work, how did you remove it last time?>
And if it continues to just release slime in the main tank, what then?
<It's likely expelling waste triggered by a change in environment, shouldn't continue on a daily basis. By the way, I tested for copper and that 0 also.
<OK. James (Salty Dog)>

Re High pH And Tons Of Hair Algae/Lacking Useful Info/Now Toxins - 4/26/10
James,
<Dan>
I'm going to crack!
<Me too.>
This weekend, I did over a 20 gallon water change and purchased a couple of urchins and 5 very small emerald crabs. The anemone was starting to dirty up the bucket since it had been in there for about a week. I was really hopeful that it would fare well in the tank now that my pH and other parameters are all back to normal. NOPE! After about an hour of drip acclimating, I carefully detached it from the bottom of the bucket and dropped him back in his old spot. I turned off the power heads in order to allow the anemone enough time to attach to something the way it always has.
It didn't.
<I've always had luck by removing the sand down to the glass in the area I would like it to be, then put
a few small rocks around it to stabilize the anemone. They need to feel something hard on their pedal disc before they will attempt to attach.>
The next morning (Sunday), it just sat there moving around, not looking as good as it had in the bucket and not attaching to anything. It was also releasing a good amount of slime into the water.
<Can be a reaction from better/different water quality.>
SO, defeated, I cooked up another bucket of fresh salt water, brought it to temp, and let it stir w/a very strong pump for most of the day. In the evening, I removed the anemone from the main and plopped him back in his new home. It attached to the bottom of the bucket almost immediately.
<Yes, found a hard surface.>
What the heck is in the main tank!?
<I'm assuming nothing.>
Also the hair algae in the main is starting to turn a bit orange in color. Hopefully, that's a sign that it's dying out?
<Yes, can be. James (Salty Dog)>
Re High pH And Tons Of Hair Algae/Lacking Useful Info/Now Toxins/Now 4/26/10
James,
<Dan>
... one other thing. Even though, I've successfully peeled the anemone from the bottom of the bucket and tank (several times over the years), I still worry about hurting it's foot as it's delicacy has been noted many times in
the postings of WetWeb. Should I put an ice cube under the bucket in order to entice it to detach?
<It may work, how did you remove it last time?>
And if it continues to just release slime in the main tank, what then?
<It's likely expelling waste triggered by a change in environment, shouldn't continue on a
daily basis. By the way, I tested for copper and that 0 also.
<OK. James (Salty Dog)>
Re High pH And Tons Of Hair Algae/Lacking Useful Info/Now Toxins/Now 4/26/10
I've moved the tank 3 times in the past. Once, it was a 6 hour drive from Va to NJ! Each time, I put all the tank contents in buckets (sand, and approx50% of the water). Then quickly replaced them upon relocating. In each
case, the anemone dug through the 3" of gravel and attached to the bottom of the tank, never releasing slime (at least not in the amounts were I could see it on it and other items in the tank).
<May have not had any waste to expel. Best not to feed critters before moving.>
I cant help but think the water is still toxic to it in some way?? Having said that, the scooter blenny continues to bounce around happily.
I can do yet another water change and try moving the gravel as you suggested but what about the slime?
<Would not worry about the slime, remove with a net. Just a thought, but have you ever
checked for stray voltage in the system? Refresh my mind, next time you write, indicate what type of anemone is it? I don't have the time to go through all the past threads, must be a gazillion of them.
James (Salty Dog)>
Re High pH And Tons Of Hair Algae/Lacking Useful Info/Now Toxins/Now Anemone Health 4/26/10
Sorry about the massive detail.
<No problem, just got too many things going on right now, need to prioritize a little more than I'm doing now.>
The reason I think the tank has an issue is that the slime is much worse when anemone is in the main vs. the bucket.
<LTA's do require pristine water quality, no phosphates, nitrates under 5ppm, etc. They also appreciate a fine sand/mud substrate. Make sure you have 4" or more of a soft substrate.
Crushed coral won't work very well with the LTA as the coral can lacerate its foot.>
The Anemone was sold as a Green LTA. My friend has one as well and they look NOTHING like each other so here's an old pic for you to id for yourself:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/152223627_b93c59bd55_b.jpg
<Appears to be a LTA. Keep in mind that the tentacle colors can be white with pink tips, pinkish, tan, or purple.
Tentacles can be also have a basic, corkscrew, or striated pattern.>
As for removal, I would just VERY DELICATELY wedge my finger between the foot and bucket till it was free.
<I'd likely try that before the ice cube trick.>
Thanks again for your input and patience. The site is a wealth of information and your responses are always appreciated!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Dan

Re High pH And Tons Of Hair Algae/Lacking Useful Info/Now Toxins/Now 4/26/10
Sorry about the massive detail.
<No problem, just got too many things going on right now, need to prioritize a little more than I'm doing now.>
The reason I think the tank has an issue is that the slime is much worse when anemone is in the main vs. the bucket.
<LTA's do require pristine water quality, no phosphates, nitrates under 5ppm, etc.
They also appreciate a fine sand/mud substrate. Make sure you have 4" or more of a soft substrate.
Crushed coral won't work very well with the LTA as the coral can lacerate its foot.>
The Anemone was sold as a Green LTA. My friend has one as well and they look NOTHING like each other so here's an old pic for you to id for yourself:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/152223627_b93c59bd55_b.jpg
<Appears to be a LTA. Keep in mind that the tentacle colors can be white with pink tips, pinkish, tan, or purple.
Tentacles can be also have a basic, corkscrew, or striated pattern.>
As for removal, I would just VERY DELICATELY wedge my finger between the foot and bucket till it was free.
<I'd likely try that before the ice cube trick.>
Thanks again for your input and patience. The site is a wealth of information and your responses are always appreciated!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Dan

Help With My Long Tentacle Anemone/No Useful Information 4/22/10
<Hello Amanda>
There is a sack or cocoon shaped thing hanging off where the foot meets the part with the tentacles on it. I have only had it a week. The thing is mostly white with some black dots and a black head or large dot at the end. The only other things I have in the tank are a Percula Clown, Maroon Clown, Coral Banded Shrimp (which molted today and freaked me out), and a feather duster. Do you know what that bag thing is on the anemone and what I need to do about it? Please help. I really really don't want to lose my 2 fish. BTW my tank is only a couple of months old.
<Without a pic it would be difficult at best to ID. I do suggest you read here as I'm strongly believing your system, along with your present experience, cannot support this animal.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/macrodoreensis.htm>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Amanda

LTA Trouble/LTA Systems/Health 4/7/10
Hey Crew
<Caleb>
I got my LTA about a week ago from Petco and it looked great until the following morning when it was kind of lifeless (tentacles curled and not moving ) after 5 days or so of this I moved it to a location much closer to the light but it still looks lifeless but I know its alive because it reacts to touch and food ; I have a 29 gal biocube and my salinity is 1.024 and my nitrites, ammonia, nitrates are all at zero and my ph is 8.2 so what is my problem and is there anything I can do to save it and make it look healthy again?
<Not an easy anemone to keep and obviously you are not providing conditions to it's liking. Read here, ask yourself if these conditions/requirements exist in your too small a system for keeping such.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/macrodoreensis.htm>
ps. I feed it half of a krill once a week.(along with whatever it gets when I feed my other fish brine shrimp.)
Thanks crew (any tips or additional info would be greatly appreciated)
<Do read the link and related articles/FAQ's listed in the header.
<James (Salty Dog)>

LTA demise 2/11/10
Although I've read and re-read various articles on various topics since preparing for setting up our first salt water tank - this is the first I've ventured into writing the "crew".
<You are a stranger here but once. I welcome you>
We have a 120 gallon display tank and a 30 gallon sump with fuge and skimmer. In addition, we run UV, Kalk, active carbon, GFO reactor and a denitrator.
<Mmm, a note/comment: These last two chemical filters can be too effective... removing too much necessary macro-nutrient for chemo and mixo-trophic life (in this case, Actinarian)>
We dose vitamin C (1/4tsp 2 times daily)
<I would do this more irregularly... let's say once a week>

and buffer KH and Ca as needed based on regular testing. We are a mixed reef with a peaceful collection of inhabitants with about 150lbs of live rock and a deep sand bed. We run 2 T5HO lights for 12.5hours a day and 2
150W MH for 6.5 hours a day. The fuge light runs opposite the T5HO light cycle. We control and help with monitoring everything via a Neptune Apex controller. For water flow, we have 2 6045 power heads and a Nano wave box.
Our water parameters are generally -
KH - 12
Ca - 415
<[Mg]?>
Ph - 8.2
NO3 - <10
<[HPO4]?>
temp 77-78.5
salinity 1.025
We have had fairly good success with the items we add to our tank - hopefully, partially due to the research and planning before we add anything or make changes. We also have the support of an incredible local fish store (too convenient at times...).
<Good>
That said, we had researched and decided to add a purple LTA to our system.
We waited a while until confirming a healthy specimen from a source we trusted. It was transported in person to an event where we were able to pick it up.
After getting it home, knowing it had been in a shipping package for a while, we immediately acclimated it - drip acclimation for approximately 1 hour, being cautious of the water temp of the container it was in. As it turned out, it was initially upside down in the acclimation bucket (it's how it initially came out of the bag with the water when transferring to the bucket) - so we got a good opportunity to examine its foot for any damage. Coloring was a nice bright red with no noticeable damage. There were a few lighter lines on the side of its foot that reminded me of stretch marks - but no torn tissue.
<Good>
The rock scape in our 120 is arranged in 2 islands, one larger than the other - so the tank is open in the center. With the wave box, we have a single center overflow box along the back and the sand bed is a little lower just in front of the overflow box. We had placed the LTA in that area, expecting it would like the protection of the base rock further to either side (there is at least 12" between them), light motion of the wave box water movement, and the direct lighting from the lighting above. We had arranged two smaller pieces of rock in that area initially - to provide some protection while it settled and ideally, buried its foot in the sand in front of the overflow box.
yes, I know that ideally
<?>
and LTAs don't mix.. :) But we wanted to start out with what we thought would work well for it and go from there.
As it turned out, it seemed very content there. We noticed some movement of the smaller rocks - we assumed from the shift in sand as it buried its foot. Our skunk clowns took to it immediately, and we were pretty sure it had eaten for us.
About 6 days later, it's disc seem over inflated and a bit transparent from the top surface. It hadn't moved, and its tentacles were still inflated with the same coloring - but the over inflated disc concerned us a bit.
It's mouth was neither open or inflated.
When we fed that night, the clowns pulled everything from it and pushed it aside (Mysis and squid). Of course, nearby fish were happy - but we weren't.
Then yesterday (8 days after being added to our tank) - we happen to see our clown actually push it on its side. Well - that told us it had decided not to plant its foot - which was okay - as it would move until it was happy. BUT, when we saw the bottom of the foot, we saw something that alarmed us - a small 1" long narrow section that looked like it was covered in a white stringy, ruffed substance. It reminded me of what you see when mushrooms get stressed - but in a longer strip, rather than out of a single mushroom mouth.
<Is part of the inside of the Anemone itself>
Since we knew it wasn't planted, we very gently scooped it up with some tank water into a separate container for a closer look. Other than the mark now discovered on the foot - we weren't seeing anything to indicate an issue - tentacles were active and inflated, mouth closed, etc.
We opted to keep the LTA in a plastic container to contain it in the tank for observation (plastic storage container with holes in it and rubber bands put around it to form criss cross over the top to prevent the LTA from floating out). Over a 12 hour period, the area we first observed on the foot grew to 1" square, and tentacles deflated. 12 hours after that, the entire bottom of the foot was affected, and it had regurgitated substances out of it's mouth - including undigested food pellets (that we feed) and what looked like mouse droppings. In addition, when bummed, the affected area on its foot appeared to start to fall apart.
Sadly, at this point, we removed it entirely from the tank.
<A wise move>
I would like to think we had a healthy specimen to start with, <Mmm, not hard to determine; hence the call for initial quarantine, mixing of waters/ back and forth over a few weeks time to chemically acclimate...>

and I'd like to think that we planned and prepared as best we could. But something, or a combination of things let to the demise of this animal - and I'd like some insight as to what.
<Well... importantly, it should be stated (and is repeatedly in my writings, presentations) that all Anemones are not easily kept... and Macrodactyla, Stichodactyla species in particular, don't have a good survival history.>

We've found plenty of articles and photos, including on this site, regarding how the tentacles, mouth, eating, and moving are indicators for the health and happiness of these animals - but, we haven't found reference to signs first showing up on the foot that then leads to its demise. Can you shed some insight?
<Again, it's very difficult to discern initial damage... the removal, holding, shipping of Actinarians from the wild is likely the largest cause/source of trouble...>
Attached are pics of the foot observed on day 8 and on day 9 since receiving. Also one of the pics of the stuff it regurgitated. I've re-sized - but you need larger pics, just let me know.
Thanks much!
<IF you must try another Anemone, I suggest (as stated in articles and FAQs archived on WWM) that you choose (if possible a cloned) Entacmaea or Heteractis crispa specimen. Bob Fenner>



Re: LTA demise 2/11/10
Thanks for your quick response - much appreciated!
<Glad to assist you>
RE TESTING -
We also monitor Ph via a probe on our controller. Normally we are around 8.2. We do not regularly test Mg and HPO4 unless we are looking for causes for something observed, or numbers for KH and Ph aren't balanced.
<Mmm, I would be testing these if you intend/have Cnidarian livestock.
Calcium alone "wont' work" w/o Magnesium in proportion, and some soluble phosphate presence is absolutely necessary for this life>
RE FILTRATION -
We feed small particles heavily for our filter feeder inhabitants - including gorgonians.

Variety of Cyclop-eeze, Roto-feast, oyster feast, baby brine, etc. In addition to 20-30% water changes every 2 weeks, the addition of the denitrator has helped to keep nitrates in line under this regimen.
RE "IDEALLY" -
Sorry, my comment was that in regards to LTAs - or nems in general - where we ideally want them or think they will be content doesn't really mean anything... it's really up to the animal as to where they optimally find something they like - and that doesn't always mix with our ideals of where we want them or think they would be content.
RE CAUSES -
Acknowledging that these are high risk animals to start with, are there conditions or predators in my substrate that would have attributed to the damage we observed after being in our tank for a week?
<Doubtful, but a remote possibility>
Are there known items that prey or irritate the foot of these?
<There are indeed... various worms, crabs, some fish groups like Angels...>
We have a collection of snails, emerald crabs and hermit crabs for our CUC.

I read that some have experienced peppermint shrimp irritating LTA feed until they are securely settled and their food buried - but we don't have peppermint shrimp (we do have cleaner shrimp).
RE OTHER NEMS -
We have both a RBTA and now 2 GBTA in our system as well (the GBTA recently split).
<See WWM re Anemone compatibility. Not a good idea to mix>

The rose is happily anchored to a rock on the far left of our tank where the rock is taco shaped - open from end to end and closed on top. The rock is by itself slightly buried in the sand bed. The GBTA was initially placed in hole on a larger piece of rock that actually angels up to the back right corner of my tank. It initially moved to the back side out of the light, then came back forward a bit higher than the hole - and has stayed there since. There is a ledge there that its foot is on the underside of. When it split, it moved slightly just before splitting, the larger section has stayed where it was, and the smaller section has moved to the back side of that rock - where I expect it wanted a bit less light and more protection while it healed. Both of the GBTA are looking great - inflated, and took food last night.
OTHER INHABITANTS - If helpful, I can include an inventory of my stock - but we mainly have a collection of peaceful in habitants - intentionally. Thanks again for thoughts and comments - We are forever learning in this
hobby.
Jeanette
<Ah, good. BobF>
Re: LTA demise 2/12/10
Some follow up questions - still trying to learn on this one... :)
RE POSSIBLE PREY
You mentioned some worms, crabs, and fish (angels) may pray on the foot of a nem - can you be a bit more specific so that I can assess if we are aware of any of those being present in our system?
<This is posted/archived on WWM>
As I mentioned - we do have emerald crabs and hermit crabs.
<... these are possibilities>
We also have a female Bellus angel - but had understood that the Bellus isn't considered to be an aggressive angel and not prone to many of the negative traits of angels in a mixed reef.
<Usually the genus Genicanthus are not>
RE ANEMONE COMPATIBILITY
Could you help cover the specific risks to having mixed species in a common system?
<Again... please learn to/use the search tool, indices on WWM. We have a few tens of thousands of people use the site daily... it is NOT a question and answer bb, but a reference system to peruse>
In our research, I did read (and have had it quoted to me) - that you recommended big systems to consider mixed species (hundreds of gallons)
<Yes>
- and I had understood this was as much for physical separation, as it is for potential chemical warfare (although not as likely).
<Yes as well>
Although not the recommended combination, given some of the advancements in the hobby - if one were to have mixed species - what care or system considerations should be provided to optimize their safe care?
Thanks!
<... read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/cnidcompppt.htm
and the linked files above as they pertain to your livestock here. B>

Re: LTA demise -- 2/12/10
My continued appreciation -
<Welcome in turn>
RE http://wetwebmedia.com/cnidcompppt.htm
I actually had the opportunity to attend a presentation of this - I believe, the first time you had delivered this material. Very good material indeed - then as well as to keep available on WWM.
<Ahh! And yet you chose/choose to house multiple anemone species?>
It is important we understand the animals we keep - not as an afterthought, but as part of the responsible decision to even consider keeping them. With intent of keeping physical separation between nem species,
<Mmm, insufficient... the chemical aspect/s are often just as troublesome>

and running filtration to assist with chemical warfare, I know as with all life forms, we can't ultimately control behavior - but is a system sustainable with multiple species of nems?
<Doesn't appear so>

RE SEARCHING WWM -
You are very correct in that there are pages and pages of very good information to peruse - but I was unsuccessful in finding specifics to what I was trying to answer - either initially regarding the sequence of events and observations we had, as well as which tank inhabitants are known for preying on the LTA.
<Am wondering if you'd help me, us... how might the information be better ordered/organized? Perhaps some more in-depth instruction set on how to use the Google search tool?>
In this hobby - by nature of maintaining live systems - in reality, we can never be 100% confident in forecasting behavior or interactions - there are various stories (claims) of people that have systems with occupants that should interact with each other, but don't (or haven't yet), or inhabitants that aren't expected to, but do.
<Well-stated>
And after not finding specific via research - both on WWM, as well as various forums regarding the initial damage to the LTA- I did first post to focus forums on a couple of forums - it was suggested in a reply that I write you directly for specifics to my situation, versus generalities - to tap into the expertise you and your crew have.
<I see>
Although we hopefully have the best of intentions of the care of the animals we keep in this hobby, very few hobbyists truly maintain an environment true to a natural inhabitant. We can't duplicate the depth of water to truly mimic deeper water inhabitants - and yet we often find them in our tanks in shaded areas...and for some of what we setup, it is truly personal taste - whether by the choice of how we set up our rockscape, to the color sand we use, to the inhabitants. And it is by sharing what we do, what works, and what doesn't, that hopefully we continue to further the success in caring for the animals - and make a conscious decision not to pursue the ones we are not successful with.
WWM provides a great collection of various aspects of that - but the pure volume of information, the pure variety of issues, situations, and setups often lend itself to be a difficult to find a similar experience or post.
It's by far one of the greatest collections available, but as such, having folks respond to a post of "research WWM" often isn't direct enough to navigate to the specifics needed.
<Yes... but, please bear w/ me, I don't have any more resource to dedicate to this "proposition" on a daily basis... the few hours it takes is falling short I fear>
Even searching "LTA crab prey damage" doesn't readily surface information
<Mmm, I'd "back up" and substitute "Anemone" for "LTA", to make the search more general, applicable>
or experiences that give an example of a specific species of crab being confirmed to cause a specific issue with an LTA in a specific tank setup - in fact, it surfaces posts for Sebae nems being safe with emerald crabs. I did find one post that appears to have been the 2nd or 3rd in a series with a picture of a LTA nem with some damage on it's side - but never did find the original post/email with the discussion around what caused it or system information. I even tried searching on the title "LTA wound".
I truly appreciate the depth of information available on WWM - but it's not necessarily the easiest to navigate to find specifics, or find the complete information related to something you do find. And although there are wonderful pages of overview your team maintains (versus the emails that are posted) - because of the uniqueness of our systems, sometimes they aren't specific enough.
<The one "saving grace" statement I'll make is that this free tool IS getting better over time>

So, thank you for your time and sharing of your expertise - it's how we further the hobby and hopefully support a responsible approach to the selection and care of what we put in our tanks. I did not mean to mistake your expertise for a BB - but had not been able to locate the specifics via the organization of the information I was looking through.
Thanks again.
<Thank you, BobF>
Re: LTA demise -- 2/13/10
RE SEARCHING INFO

Bob - Happy to provide ideas. Because the emails on the site are organized into pages, versus threads or individual objects, when you search on a multiple word selection, it is treating the entire page as a positive hit - even though the individual words you are looking for do not appear together in any one email message contained on the entire page. As a hypothetical example, if you are looking for information on vitamin C dosing - entering the words vitamin, C and dosing in the search box may return multiple hits - but you may never find an email thread that contains all three words - but instead, you may find 10 posts with vitamin, 5 with C, 25 with dosing - and maybe a few with a combination of them on the same page, but not in the same email.
<Mmm, yes>
In contrast, if you use MS Outlook, or other client email application, when you do a multiple word search, you get email "hits" that contain all of the words - and not every email that contains one or the other - and you get the hits at the email level - not everything in your mailbox, or everything in the same folder.
I'm not sure of the logistics behind how you process and publish emails that come into the crew - or what other functionality/requirements you have around how you manage that process - but I would think considering a fully moderated forum tool - where nothing gets published until you as a moderator does so, might be a good compromise - as most of those tools are designed to allow searching to the post level - which is the granularity missing from WWM now, at least for multiple words in the search.
<There is a better search tool, process, located here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/Googlesearch.htm
and this is linked on each page... One can, most often should choose/elect to see/read the "cached version" which will highlight the search term or string if you're familiar with "listing" such terms in Boolean logic here.
Again, I don't know how much elaboration here to our users is prudent>
RE LTA
It does not appear that based on MUCH time perusing compatibility with the known CUC members in our tank that we have a known predator -
<Agreed>
but there is always the potential of an unknown predator...as we did start the system with live rock and live sand (but depending on what it was - we would think to have seen other issues in the tank related to it). Were the pictures provided, considered with the time in our tank (9 days), indicative of a negative interaction between mixed nem species?
<Not in my opinion, no. As I've tried to infer, hint from the get-go. I suspect the ongoing degradation is/was due to unseen initial damage>
Thanks - and let me know if you want to bounce other search ideas around....
<Thank you Jeanette. BobF>

Re: LTA demise 2/13/10
Bob - no need to reply to this one - just wanted to share my appreciation for you ongoing responses. It really makes a positive impact on the hobby when we continue to have folks that are willing and able to continue to foster the sharing of information and expertise.
<Jeanette. I greatly appreciate your... a person of intelligence, caring and resourcefulness, input>
We should all strive to continue to learn.
<Of a certainty agreed>
I also wanted to share related to searching WWM, that I am using the google link with local site search selected - so I'm improving my odds at finding what I'm looking for - but, the earlier point of getting hit results with a multi word search, even using Boolean logic, treats each page, which is often a collection of somewhat related, but very different email posts, as one object.
<Yes... Additionally I want to acknowledge SaraM's valiant effort, though one that "costs time", to add a "search for word" feature on the left shared border of all content pages>
It is helpful that search words are highlighted so that you can scan the page and look for the collection of words being in the same proximity of each other before you read the details of the email - but given how common some words are, this still takes some time.
<Yes... I look forward to the upcoming time when "PDA's" will be more like "His Dark Materials" "daemons"... pro-active, aware, and very helpful in guiding individuals>
And unfortunately, trying to use negative logic (i.e., excluding words from the results) also treats the entire page as an omission - so for example, if I wanted to look for vitamin C dosing, and I excluded calcium from the search string ("-calcium") it would omit any page that had calcium anywhere on the page - even if the one email post that included the entire search string I was looking for was on that page.
Thanks again - and happy valentines day!
<Ah yes... am cooking 80 qt.s of chili and serving it at the a half marathon. Perhaps I will meet someone special thus. Cheers, BobF>

Is My Purple LTA OK?/Macrodactyla doreensis/Health/Systems 1/29/10
Hello!
<Hello Dani>
So I need to ask for some help... I bought this purple LTA on Saturday before doing any research (oops!). I have a 28gallon Nano cube cfi that has only been set up for about a month.
<Oops again. Too small a system for keeping this animal and much too new of a system.>

It looks like my lighting is 105w/8w cf quad;
<Borderline lighting at best for this anemone.>
115v-1ph-60hz and my pump is 16w/266gph.(this is off of the tank specs) I have 20lbs of live sand and about 30lbs of live rock. My friends living in the tank are 2 False Percula Clowns, 1 Peppermint Shrimp, 1 Fire Shrimp, 1 Serpent star, 1 sand sifting cucumber,
<Tank too new, too small to sustain the cucumber, problems may lie ahead.>
5 red leg and 5 blue leg hermits, 10 snails (2 kinds I can't recall the names), 2 small Zoas and a hammer coral.
<Oops again, too small a system for keeping an anemone with corals.>

My specs are: ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 0, ph 7.4 (working to raise by adding reef builder to bring up alkalinity) dKH 8 (on Sunday before lights out and after adding a dose of reef builder that day), sg 1.022, temp 81. I have been doing a 2 gallon water change once a week and I test parameters about every other day. (I am very paranoid about my water levels). Anyway, this anemone just sits in this spot and won't attach to anything and seems to have a gaping mouth.
<It will not attach to rocks, burrows into the sand in nature. This anemone will be short lived, I'd return if possible or risk poisoning your entire system.>

I tried to get the best pics I could and after I took them and was typing my email it shriveled up on one side. I am very worried that this fella is going to die and kill everyone in my tank.
<It will.>

I just wanted to know if you thought it would be OK or if I should pull it before he does too much damage?
<Will not be OK, I'd try and return.....good luck here. Should have researched this animal before buying, as to it's needs/system requirements.
A little late now, but do read here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/macrodoreensis.htm>
Thanks!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Dani

Re Is My Purple LTA OK?/Macrodactyla doreensis/Health/Systems, now Cuke comp. 1/30/10
Well now I'm a bit worried about my cucumber... I will have to do some research on them as this is what the guy at my LFS said would be ok for cleaning my tank. He is a very little fella. Maybe 3 inches long... Anyway thank you so much for your help!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Dani

Long Tentacle Anemone/Systems/Health 9/5/09
<Hello Matt>
Let me start by giving my Parameters, Nitrate 20 Nitrite 0 ph 8.4 and Ammonia 0.
I have a 20 gallon Saltwater tank with 20 Lbs. of LS and about 15 lbs. of Live rock (not much I know but it costs $10.99Lb where I live). I have 2 Yellow Tail Damsels, 2 Percula Clowns and a Royal Gramma, with a Chocolate chip Star, 2 Peppermint Shrimp and a few turbo snails for cleanup.
<Would not add any more fish, you are stocked to the limit and then some.>
Right now I'm <I'm> using 2 50/50 18 Watt Compact florescent lights. Now to my main question. I have a long tentacle anemone I bought from my LFG <LFS> yesterday, It has a bring orange base with brownish tentacles.
<Tank too small for keeping such, and your lighting is no where near enough to keep this animal alive, and your fish are at risk, especially in such close quarters.>
My problem is he wont grab a hold of anything, When I first put him in, the current kind of moved him around and he finally started to sit still. From what I can tell his foot hasn't grabbed any part of my tank, He wedged his foot under some LR I have but the base isn't touching anything. From yesterday evening till this morning he's moved a few inches but nothing much, and his reactions to me touching a tentacle seems a little slow. The tentacles and foot are still sticky but I want to make sure everything seems okay. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Also on a side note have you ever seen a yellow tail damsel host on an anemone?
<Yes.>
My clowns wont go near but my Yellow Tail sleeps inside of the middle, Kind of Odd if you ask me.
<The clowns are likely tank bred/raised and generally will not associate with anemones. I'm guessing you are new to this hobby and are not aware of the difficulty in keeping an anemone alive for any length of time.
Joyce Wilkerson, P.E., once conducted a survey as to the above.
The survey from volunteers showed that 45% of anemones kept by hobbyists with less than 2 years of marine aquarium keeping experience were dead after an average of 3 months.
Those hobbyists with 2-5 years experience were not a lot more successful with 30% of the anemones dying in an average of 7 months. Only 5% of those surveyed with 2-5 years experience had kept their anemone for two years or more.
Even among hobbyists with more than 5 years experience, 36% of anemones kept were dead after an average of 8 months. One in 6 anemones in the survey reached the 24 months in captivity milestone.
Only one out of every 13 anemones in the survey had been in captivity for 3 years or more.
One in every 32 reached 5 years in captivity.
In my experience, a high percentage of the "one in every 32" were likely Entacmaea quadricolor, the Bubble Tip Anemone, which are a little easier to keep and less light demanding.
I suggest you return the anemone, it will just cause you more problems when it dies, will poison
the water and likely kill your fish.
Do read/learn here,
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/anemones.htm
and here,
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/macrodoreensis.htm
James (Salty Dog)>

LTA foot torn by Clarkii? Reading... 7/24/09
I found this site when trying to look up information on how to handle this situation. The LTA we picked up yesterday
<... Anemones are not easily kept...>

was looking good in the tank we got it from, and ours after acclimating it to our tank. (55 gal. originally in same spot for 9+ years, just moved 2 months ago to different area in house - took only a couple hours to move it all, 2 smaller lights (50/50? - tired so can't remember) and a 175 halide light, parameters: 80F, 1.021-1.022
<Too low...>

salt reading, 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite, 0 Nitrate, 8.2 pH, 400 calcium last check at local fish store - we don't have a calcium test at home yet; fish: 1 Clarkii, 1 yellow tail blue damsel, 1 cleaner shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp, 1 emerald crab, some snails & hermit crabs). The clown took to it immediately after it was put in the tank water. Overnight it moved into the live rock leaving it's tentacles facing out towards the open front. The Clown was still staying all over it. When I came home I noticed some white coming off it's foot and since it wasn't attached to anything carefully moved it to the open to inspect it. that's when I saw the tear - which was not there when we picked it up from the fish store yesterday. I am assuming that possibly the clown beating up on it while it laying in the live rock unattached might of caused the tear?
<Maybe>

I can't think of anything else since it wasn't there before. The color is still the same, but it's expelling white stuff out of the foot now where the tear is.
<... this animal is on its way out... as in muerto>

We don't have our quarantine tank anymore (mother- in-law needed it as theirs ended up with a crack in it) so I carefully placed it in a bag to float at the top of the tank so it's still under the light.
<...? A poor idea>
Trying to read online if it is safe to keep it in the tank with the fish since it isn't losing color and not gooey,
<... dying, dead>
or what other action should be taken. I've attached pictures starting with how it was yesterday, up until it was placed into the bag. I'm afraid if I do put it back in the tank (not in the bag) the clown will continue to beat on it, thus not helping the situation. (The Petco bag it's in was an extra bag I had - we did not get the anemone from Petco).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Amanda M.
<... read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/macrodoreensis.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Re: LTA foot torn by Clarkii?... still not reading 7/25/09
Thanks for the prompt reply. As far as the bag it was either leave it in the main tank and risk losing other stuff or get it out -
<... this animal should not have been purchased in the first place... You have not shown evidence of "being ready" to take care of a large Actinarian species>
I got it out. I did have a friend call me back shortly after and had a spare running saltwater tank with no fish (their emergency tank) and they put it in there for me.
<... there is almost no likelihood of it reviving>
They lave the tank running 24/7 and make sure its parameters are pristine in that tank They emailed me last night that it started having stuff coming out of it's mouth. So unfortunately it did pass. Everything in our main tank is doing excellent though so I think I caught it in time.
Amanda Moore
<Going forward... please seek qualified input... ahead of purchasing livestock... BobF>

Re: LTA foot torn by Clarkii? 7/25/09
We received it from a friend that sold their tank and the person was turning it into a freshwater one. Unfortunately we don't know the full history on it - and it was free. It was either we took it or the person who took the tank would of probably thrown it away or dumped it in freshwater. Otherwise we would not have ended up with an anemone so quickly. I'd rather buy the fake ones from Foster & Smith and see if the clown plays in those before buying a real anemone personally. I know it'll be well over a year before we even consider buying one, and when we do it'll be through our LFS which are all saltwater guru's.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Amanda M.
<... please read where you were initially referred, don't write... The basal disc of the animal pictured was torn... through removal?... One of your pix shows it was put in with a Plerogyra sp... allelopathy?... Read.
B

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