LTA does not like deep sand bed??

[TAT]

I got my LTA ( Should be Macrodactyla doreensis, correct me if I am wrong) 2 weeks ago, it drilled into the sand bed in hours...

For the first week, I could only see it's purple tentacles but then it has come out from the sand for 5 days?

Should I worry?

 

[Anonymous]

They do like a deep sand bed. Mine is in four inches of sand and if I look at the bottom of the tank I can see it's foot spread out on the bottom glass.

I must say it does not look like a happy anemone to have popped back out of the sand like that. How deep is your sand bed? Perhaps it would like something to anchor to under the sand? I only suggest this because mine is gripping the bottom glass, under the sand. This is in at least 4 inches of sand, but mine is a huge anemone.

 

[EmilyB]

Yes, it obviously is on the move for a reason. What is in the picture there, directly above it? (not the shrimp..... :wink: )

 

[loosbrew]

when they do this they usually are not happy in the area you put them. I would leave it in one spot if you can block it some how, maybe use some fiberglass screen to block it. that worked for mine, but they still will pop up if they dont like the spot you want them in. it helps to dig a bit, massage the base gently in the hole(deeper is better), and bury part of the base, maybe 2-3 inches. this seems to sometimes entice them.

good luck!

loosbrew

 

[TAT]

Thanks all!

Yes, it obviously is on the move for a reason. What is in the picture there, directly above it? (not the shrimp..... )

There is a small green bubble tip anemone..... :roll: which just divided and I think it will move up to the top of the rock pillar.

Anyway, does my LTA like current?
My info:
60g tank with soft coral and anemone.
lighting:a 150watt HQI with two 36watt PL.
5 inches of deep sand bed

 

[EmilyB]

Yes, I suspected it was a BTA.

Different species do not co-habitate closely, very well. It is likely what caused the move.

I have always found BTA's to be quite agressive in comparison to the LTA.

 

[TAT]

EmilyB,

I just take out the BTA and put it into my sump. :?: Just wait to see the result.......................Thanks again!

 

[GSchiemer]

You should worry. Unfortunately, IME, this is a common phenomenon with Macrodactyla doreensis. They apparently adapt well intially but then go into a slow decline. I wish I could tell you how to turn it around. Keep us posted.

The true long-tentacled anemone, Heteractis crispa, is sturdier and adapts well to captivity. The downside is that it gets VERY large.

Greg