Question
mystery item saltwater
Hi, we are new to saltwater aquariums and have had our tank now for about 6 weeks. We did the quick start method of getting tank, sand filter system and let that work for a couple of weeks, We used the smart start liquid that instantly cycles the water, we then put in a live rock, another piece of coral that has a live plant/animal of brown tubes on it, we also had an anemone and it kept moving around despite fact local saltwater place assured us that it would settle into a spot of its own, the one spot it did attach to for any length of time is now growing something and will try to describe it to you if I can. the anemone by the way has died. ok the creature... it is on a patch that looked like a patch of jelly that the anemone left behind when it moved. It now has a few structures on it that appear to be built out of bits and pieces of the sand from bottom of tank, and if you watch closely there are very fine tentacles that come and go out of it, in different places. I have tried to take pics of it but can barely see the thread like tentacles of it but can see the structure if that would help you I could e-mail them to you. I was just wondering if you could tell me this is another anemone and I still need to feed it shrimp or if it is a creature I need to get out of my tank or what I know it is hard to tell but would like your help if possible.
AnswerHi Cheryl,
Corals and anemone need stable systems. Systems that have matured a year, sometimes more. There is no way to achieve this from a bottle or an additive. The additives will make the system safe for some species of fish, but thats all, and the system will still cycle. The anemone became mobile searching for a better environment. They will move until they find a spot they like. It's not your fault. I really wish pet stores would stop selling people miracles! I would suggest a little rewading before purchasing any new life for your system though.
I would do a large water change(50% at least). The anemone is extremely toxic when it dies. If not removed immediately it can make the water toxic to any fish that share the aquarium for months to come. Now, as for the strange thing growing, it could be another anemone growth. There are species that can and do reproduce from even a single cell. Or it could be another aquarium inhabitant(a scavenger) doing a little clean up. There are numerous critters that you'll discover in your marine system that that is their job and purpose. Thats the beauty of marine systems, diversity of life. Its hard to tell from the picture. I would just observe and wait. Most of the critters that show up are completely harmless. At the size this one is I wouldnt feed it anything. They are filter feeders so the majority of their nutrition. at this size, comes from simply taking in water. Sifting nutrients, detritus and wastes from it. So, just watch and wait. Enjoy the life developing. Do let me know if you see changes or have any more questions. I'm always glad to help new aquarists!
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