Anemone refuses to anchor

[Knowleman]

I purchased a white Malu anemone a week ago to act as a host for two
percula clowns.

Lighting was upgraded specifcally to support anemone (and future
corels). Water quality good (no ammonia, no nitrite, <5ppm nitrate,
correct pH).

Tank is mixed: live rock, few soft corels, 6 fish (inc clowns), 3
cleaner shrimp plus the Malu.

LFS recommended Malu as it "stays put" and clowns likely to take to it
(one of them has, but only at night when the lights are off).

Problem is that the Malu refuses to anchor. Tried putting it in a
particular location on a suitable rock surface. It rolled to a place
on the corel sand and stayed there - on its side. Tried moving it to
close by rock surface. It rolled back to the position it "likes"
(waterflow? lighting?) - again coming to rest on its side. I finally
took a flat rock and put it under the Malu's favourite position then
replaced it. It rolled off the rock and settled next to it - on its
side!

LFS says it can take several weeks for it to anchor itself.

LFS also says to test for Iodine and if necessary add an iodine
supplement.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Knowleman

[Toni]

"Knowleman" > wrote in message
om...
>
> Problem is that the Malu refuses to anchor. Tried putting it in a
> particular location on a suitable rock surface. It rolled to a place
> on the corel sand and stayed there - on its side. Tried moving it to
> close by rock surface. It rolled back to the position it "likes"
> (waterflow? lighting?) - again coming to rest on its side. I finally
> took a flat rock and put it under the Malu's favourite position then
> replaced it. It rolled off the rock and settled next to it - on its
> side!
>
> LFS says it can take several weeks for it to anchor itself.
>
> LFS also says to test for Iodine and if necessary add an iodine
> supplement.
>
> Any ideas?



IMO anemone's just have a mind of their own- plain and simple.
I would leave him alone and let him choose his own spot.
The more you move it around, the more it will be stressed and acclimating is
difficult enough for them without our trying to 'help'.

Water quality "good" may not be good enough.
I would aim for water quality "excellent" with zero nitrates.


--
Toni
http://www.cearbhaill.com/reef.htm

[Marc Levenson]

I would turn off any powerheads for a few hours until it
attaches.

Marc


Knowleman wrote:

> I purchased a white Malu anemone a week ago to act as a host for two
> percula clowns.
>
> Lighting was upgraded specifcally to support anemone (and future
> corels). Water quality good (no ammonia, no nitrite, <5ppm nitrate,
> correct pH).
>
> Tank is mixed: live rock, few soft corels, 6 fish (inc clowns), 3
> cleaner shrimp plus the Malu.
>
> LFS recommended Malu as it "stays put" and clowns likely to take to it
> (one of them has, but only at night when the lights are off).
>
> Problem is that the Malu refuses to anchor. Tried putting it in a
> particular location on a suitable rock surface. It rolled to a place
> on the corel sand and stayed there - on its side. Tried moving it to
> close by rock surface. It rolled back to the position it "likes"
> (waterflow? lighting?) - again coming to rest on its side. I finally
> took a flat rock and put it under the Malu's favourite position then
> replaced it. It rolled off the rock and settled next to it - on its
> side!
>
> LFS says it can take several weeks for it to anchor itself.
>
> LFS also says to test for Iodine and if necessary add an iodine
> supplement.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Thanks
> Knowleman

--
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[L8N DEB]

>Lighting was upgraded

>Water quality good (no ammonia, no nitrite, <5ppm nitrate,
>correct pH).

Please define your lighting and supply water quality numbers and make of test
kits.
I've had my Orange Tip BTA for about a year. It took him one day to find a spot
and anchor. I know this is not the norm, but if everything is good in your
tank, then the anemone will take up a spot that HE is happy with. You cannot
force them where you want them. They will search out the spot they are happy
with and anchor. Unless of course there is no place in the tank that suits him.
If that's the case, he will roam continously, eventually become emaciated and
die.