[matty-dog]

Hi all. I have a large Rose Tip Anemone, almost 12 inches across when happy. I got very lucky a month ago when I came across this specimen at a local shop.

My question is this: I have noticed a new behavior from this animal. During the early morning hours when the tank ligthts are off, I have noticed that the anemone flips it's foot up vertically. The main portion of the anemones is healthy and horizontal... All the bubble tips look normal and very healthy. Once the lights come on which is about 3pm, the anemone then rights itself and seems to sit upright on the sandy bottom, looking very normal.

The tank itself is a 125 gallon allglass. 6' long by approx 20" high. I'm running (4) 6' vHo lamps (2) actinic and (2) daylight. Approximately 400 pounds of well cured diverse live rock and about 3" of aragonite sand across the bottom.

All other coral inhabitants look great. Tank Parameters appear normal.

Any information regarding habits/needs of a RTA would greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Matt

[Ninong]

I wouldn't be concerned about its behavior. Usually they prefer to keep the base of their foot shaded, usually under a rock ledge or between the interface of the rock structure and the sand bed. As long as it isn't hurting itself or anything else, I would leave it alone. Are you feeding it anything? You should feed it two or three times a week for best results.

Can you post a picture of your tank? I just have to see what 400 lbs. of live rock looks like in a 125-gal tank. Seems like a lot of rock. I have about 150 lbs. of rock in a 120-gal tank and I think I have too much.

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by matty-dog

My question is this: I have noticed a new behavior from this animal. During the early morning hours when the tank ligthts are off, I have noticed that the anemone flips it's foot up vertically.

I'm not sure I understand it correctly,do you mean to say that anemone is not attached to anything and just flips upside-down? Naaah,that can't be right . I too have rose bubble tip anemones but I never observed this type of behavior.

Originally Posted by Ninong

Usually they prefer to keep the base of their foot shaded, usually under a rock ledge or between the interface of the rock structure and the sand bed.

That is precisely how my anemones are attached.Mine, if relocating, won't accept any food untill it is attached and secured.

[matty-dog]

Yes, the Rose actually has it's foot up in the vertical direction during the non-lighted photo periods... very strange. I've had RTA's before and never witnessed this behavior. I have plenty of rock with nooks and crannies galore. Originally I placed the anemone in the middle of the tank at the bottom near a massive rock structure. The anemone locked into the rocks just as expected. But a few days later it started it's quest for a better location...

Just curious. What exactly are the lighting requirements for a RTA. I'm of the belief that all actians need copious amounts of light. Be it vHo's and or Metal Halides. This is the first tank/reef I'm running with VHO lamps and not metal halides. I had assumed maybe I had too little light. However everyone I speak with tells me that RTA's do not require that much light. AM I giving it too much..?

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by matty-dog

Yes, the Rose actually has it's foot up in the vertical direction during the non-lighted photo periods... very strange. I've had RTA's before and never witnessed this behavior. I have plenty of rock with nooks and crannies galore. Originally I placed the anemone in the middle of the tank at the bottom near a massive rock structure. The anemone locked into the rocks just as expected. But a few days later it started it's quest for a better location...

Just curious. What exactly are the lighting requirements for a RTA. I'm of the belief that all actians need copious amounts of light. Be it vHo's and or Metal Halides. This is the first tank/reef I'm running with VHO lamps and not metal halides. I had assumed maybe I had too little light. However everyone I speak with tells me that RTA's do not require that much light. AM I giving it too much..?

Your 440 watts of VHO lighting is adequate for an Entacmaea quadricolor anemone in a 20" tall tank with a 3" sand bed. I assume that we are talking about a rose colored E-quad even though you keep calling it an RTA. I haven't heard that one before. Usually when I hear RTA, I think of Chicago's Regional Transportation Authority. Rose colored morphs of E. quadricolor are often called rose BTA's (Bubble Tip Anemones). There are several other anemones that have rose colored tips, so maybe we're not on the same page here. Another reason why I hate common names.

You are not giving your anemone too much light. It will do just fine with what you have and could even adapt to much stronger lighting. It is quite capable of finding a spot in your 400-lbs of live rock that will allow it to adjust it's position for ideal lighting comfort and current flow comfort. If you are concerned, try placing it in a spot where it's foot will be in a niche or cave opening in the rock such that its column will be mostly shaded while its tentacles will have good light and current exposure. If it doesn't like your choice of campsites, it can always find one on its own.

Good luck!