Anemones won’t budge

[ErikVR]

Hi all,

I’m tearing down my office tank which has 5 beautiful sunburst anemones in it. I want to move them to my main tank but I can’t get them to let go of the rocks.

Tried heavy direct powerhead flow for long periods of time. Prying them loose with a blunt stick. Fluctuating light and temperature. Nothing works.

So I attempted the last resort of removing the rocks from the tank and hanging the anemones upside down above a bucket of tank water. But after 15 minutes they were still holding on strong as ever. They were still alive so I put them back in the water and they seem to be recovering.

Any tips?

 

[edsbeaker]

You could try using the Anemone Cannon. Here’s the link.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/safe-and-easy-diy-way-to-remove-nems.861213/

 

[ErikVR]

You could try using the Anemone Cannon. Here’s the link.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/safe-and-easy-diy-way-to-remove-nems.861213/

Looks easy enough! Will give it a try.

Just to add, I can’t move them with the rocks because the office tank has some bubble algae in it and I sure as hell don’t want to transfer it to the main tank.

 

[exnisstech]

If the canon doesn't work maybe try rubbing ice on the foot while they are hanging.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

If the canon doesn't work maybe try rubbing ice on the foot while they are hanging.

Never heard of using ice before! That is a unique way of getting anemones loose

 

[Goaway]

Can you safely move the rock while the nems are attached, into the new tank?
Or is there something in the office tank rocks you do not want to transfer into your home tank?

 

[D-Nak]

If you don't mind destroying the rock, a hammer and chisel is a sure fire way to remove the anemones.

 

[ErikVR]

Can you safely move the rock while the nems are attached, into the new tank?
Or is there something in the office tank rocks you do not want to transfer into your home tank?

Bubble algae, unfortunately.

 

[ErikVR]

If you don't mind destroying the rock, a hammer and chisel is a sure fire way to remove the anemones.

Don’t want to risk splitting the rock at the base of the foot and rip them apart.

 

[D-Nak]

Don’t want to risk splitting the rock at the base of the foot and rip them apart.

This is actually safer than other ways of removing the anemones. You chisel the rock next to the foot, not directly on top of it, which definitely will risk injury. The rock should crumble around the foot, allowing for easy removal. You'll end up with rubble, but at least the anemones won't be injured.