REMOVING AN ANEMONE W/O INJURY

[corkyGramma]

I HAVE TO REMOVE A CARPET ANEMONE FROM A HUGE 20LB ROCK....

HE IS A SADDLE ANEM THAT WAS BURIED IN THE SAND WHILE OCUPPYING THE WALL OF THE ROCK.
I HAVE PLACED HIM IN A QT TANK WITH NO LIGHT, HOPING HE WILL START WONDERING. HE IS ALSO TURNED UPWARDS WITH NO SAND IN THE TANK.
CURRENTLY IT HAS BEEN 8HRS HOURS SINCE I MOVED HIM AND HE HAS LOOSENED HIS GRIP A BIT BUT HASNT REALLY MOVED ANYWHERE.
ANYBODY HAVE ANY POINTERS? THANKS!

[clamgal]

My experience has been that constantly nudging the base where it is attached to the rock(surface) with the tips of my fingers works well - use a little bit of your fingernails CAREFULLY so as not to harm it. I had a good tip from Erik from Aquarium Masters not to use a credit card or foreign object because you cannot feel if you pushed too hard. It takes a bit of time but worth it. The hardest part is getting your foot in the door- or in this case your finger underneath. Hope that helps...Adriana

[Submariner]

Aim a old fashioned powerhead at the base. The direct current will begin to cause it to loosen. I say an old fashioned powerhead because a koralia or the like are too indirect. Hold the powerhead close to the base and you'll see th edge start to lift. Keep at it removing a piece at a time. It works like a charm.

[jroescher]

I've never tried it, but heard that ice will annoy it enough to let go.

[StevenSeas]

I have used a pipet. Or turkey Baster to shoot jets of cold tank water at the base, while trying to ease it off withnyour fingers. Almost act as if you are trying to tickle the foot of the anemone. This and the cold water jets have yielded me the most success when I have had to remove them at work. Hope that helps some.

[corkyGramma]

helps alot guy thanks all!

[corkyGramma]

success! man that was fast! I think the maxijet helped the most.