How to Move An Anemone.

[hanknmorgan]

I added a nice BTA to my tank a week ago and on the second day it settled into its "spot" and has been there ever since. Unfortunately, its "spot" is behind my rocks in the back of the tank. I can just barely see its tentacles from the front of the tank peeking up over the rocks and have to use a mirror to see around the side of the tank since it's up against a wall on that side. It is doing extremely well and looks happy and healthy, I just cant see it hardly at all, and I cant get to it to feed it. My clown after about 4 days starting hosting it but really only goes in it at night as I guess he doesnt want to miss the chance to beg for food by being behind the rocks.

I know that Anemones kind of do what want and that you should not move them, but is it possible to do so? I mainly worry because its hard to keep an eye on it and feed it, plus I would like to enjoy it a little more. It gets lots of light where it is throug an opening in the rockwork, but It's entirely behind rocks from the viewable area of the tank. Thanks.

[erikharrison]

You could squirt the foot with cold water, or while the lights are on, cut off the whole that is giving it light. That way it will move to find a better well lit spot.
HTH!

[hanknmorgan]

I stuffed a piece of black filter sponge in the hole this morning to try to see if I could get it to move. We'll see how those goes. I have never heard of the cold water trick. I may have to try that. I knew it would be a hassle getting it in a decent place, but watching a clown/anemone is my favorite thing about this hobby. My wife is starting to make fun of me sitting there with my mirror and flashlight watching at night.

[Noodle]

You can also try aiming a powerhead at the foot until it starts to get annoyed and move to a new location.

[hanknmorgan]

HUH. The powerhead trick makes sense. I cant get a powerhead to it though without moving the rock out. Its foot is the back of the tank down by the sand. It really is a stupid spot because it has to stretch out huge to reach into the light, but I guess it likes it there. I may have to pull the rock out and try to get it to gradually release so that I can move it to a better location. I hate to have to mess with it, but I really cant get back there to it to feed it which is the main problem.

[hanknmorgan]

Anyone have any tricks for keeping your clownfish from biting the junk out of your hand? I have to resort to fending him off with a large spoon whenever I have my hand in the tank. He is an agressive sucker.

[ClownReef®]

Do the powerhead trick on the anemone. As far as the clowns go, try and net them, it should be easy if they are going at you.

[hanknmorgan]

The spoon trick works ok, but he is starting to get used to it and now bites at the spoon. I am going to move the rock and try the powerhead on it and see it will release ok for me. Thanks for the tips.

[caferacermike]

I'd say leave it if it is healthy. It will peak up over the top in due time. Word is Magnificent anemones are extremely difficult to keep alive and should not be sold in the hobby. I've had mine for 10 months now and it keeps growing and growing. It lives on the front of the glass right underneath the water line. The reason I attribute success to this is that I leave it alone and have for the entirety of it's existence in my tank. Sure I could scoop it off and move it but would it prosper as well?

[erikharrison]

I'd say leave it if it is healthy. It will peak up over the top in due time. Word is Magnificent anemones are extremely difficult to keep alive and should not be sold in the hobby. I've had mine for 10 months now and it keeps growing and growing. It lives on the front of the glass right underneath the water line. The reason I attribute success to this is that I leave it alone and have for the entirety of it's existence in my tank. Sure I could scoop it off and move it but would it prosper as well?

Mike, that anemone is HUGE! LOL, it looked so good!!!

[hanknmorgan]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I ended up just redoing my rock work a bit and was able to rotate the rock it was on so that it is in a better position. Now, it will undoubtedly move on me. Unfortunately it was attatched to the biggest rock in my tank that was the foundation of the rockwork, so moving it meant moving the whole stinkin tank around. And of course the clown figured out that it only hurts when he bites me in the wrist above the latex gloves. Little butthead. Thanks again.

[Mr_Cool]

If he moves again, you can try shading that spot. I've done that before and it seemed to work pretty well. Of course, the first time it worked, the BTA just moved back to that same spot in a day or two. So, I tried it again. The second time it moved and stayed put in a great spot.

[hanknmorgan]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks mr cool. It seems to be doing well where it is and the clown loves it there. He is a blast to watch swimming in his anemone and he was sucking on the tentacles earlier which was pretty funny. We'll just have to see if it's there in the morning.