New RBTA dying

[jhanover]

I got a new RBTA last weekend. Seemed to do well the first couple of days but then yesterday/today it is not looking good at all. Not extending much though the red color still good. I know my Ca and Alk are low (working on that) but otherwise parameters are fine (the other RBTA I have is fine).
Any suggestions or is it wait, see, hope?

[ralphie]

How long have you had the other one? Is it still attached?

I do not have one, but I know they do shrink to expel water and wastes.

Here is one website that has lots of information about them.

[jhanover]

other one - a couple of years.

Oddly enough it looked like it was coming back to life late last night (main lights off, actinics on). And looks real full this AM (no lights). Maybe it doesn;t like th emain light...will monitor

[ralphie]

What was the difference in lighting between the tank it was in and your tank? It could be light shock. You may want to put some window screening between the light and where it is now. Then every day or so, remove a layer of the screening. This will give it a chance to get used to the lighting.

[jhanover]

All seems well....according to others it may have been taking the proverbial major dump! Strange but it is big and full now and I didn't change anything

[KDodds]

Initial acclimation of anemones very often brings about what you've described, a shrinking and shrivelling, followed by expulsion of waste, then reinflation, usually within a span of about 3 days to a week. So this may be what you were seeing. Since you have another anemone that appears to be doing well, you can probably rule out water quality issues (just go slow on the adjustment of Alk and Ca). So, lighting and feeding would be the next possible culprits should the anemone appear not to be doing well in the future. Keep in mind that non-clones, even of the same species, may not "get along". If you notice hyperinflation on a regular basis, it might be more prudent to keep only one anemone. Although, in a 150 gallon tank, the should have enough room to "stay out of each other's way".

[jhanover]

Thanks - they both seem to be doing ok now. Will keep an eye on them but fingers crossed

[ralphie]

Great news

Pictures, please?