Feather duster worm dipped please help

JVH · May 9, 2015

Ok, first of all please hold all negative comments. I am totally aware that inverts & worms do not get dipped!
It was a mistake.. So I feel awful enough and I don't know if I need to do anything at this point..

I was acclimating a FD worm and some coral in the same bucket and once they were ready to go in the tank I added a bit of Revive coral cleaner. Probably a light dose. After about 1 min I realized I forgot to remove the FD worm. Honestly, I think it was because at a glance without the plum sticking out it looked like a rock.. Just a total brain laps!!

So I immediately removed it and put it in my tank... I thought it was a goner! So after about an hour the feathers came out and I was thrilled!! I wouldn't leave he tank but as soon as I walked away it started reacting.. It has not moved at all except the feathers do retract when I get close but I usually see other dusters in other tanks and they are leaning or standing or doing something other than laying in the sand...

Any advise? Also, anyone know if it just laying in the same exact spot is ok? I feel awful! Like maybe its dying or suffering and I have no clue!

I appreciate any words that can help since I feel bad enough.. Thanks!

Judith

jofost1216 · May 9, 2015

worm

So is it still in its tube? If the worm retracts when you or something gets close that should be a sign that it is alive. So when you say its laying on the sand does that mean the tube is on the sand?? Or just the worm? If its the tube, reach in and stand it up. If it is out of the tube it will build a new tube but that takes along time IMO. If its out of the tube and you still have the tube, gently pick up the worm and put it up to the tube opening, I did this with one and it went back in its tube. Good luck.

JVH · May 9, 2015

jofost1216 said:
So is it still in its tube? If the worm retracts when you or something gets close that should be a sign that it is alive. So when you say its laying on the sand does that mean the tube is on the sand?? Or just the worm? If its the tube, reach in and stand it up. If it is out of the tube it will build a new tube but that takes along time IMO. If its out of the tube and you still have the tube, gently pick up the worm and put it up to the tube opening, I did this with one and it went back in its tube. Good luck.

Thanks for responding.. It is still in the tube. I put it on the sand and it is in the same exact place! 2 days now. I thought it would have moved some but it is in the exact spot where I first put it but I don't know if they tend to do that. I see them in store tanks more erect.
However, the feathers are out a lot and always retract when I get close..It would seem like its ok based on that but i just don't know..I just hope its not suffering...

JVH · May 9, 2015

Picture of the little guy... Find if I go on the right side of the tank he immediately retracts but if I go really slow I can get close

JVH · May 9, 2015

*Bump* any other thoughts?

LetItReef · May 9, 2015

FD prefers Med-low flow. Seems alive to me. Leave it for now and keep an eye out.

watchguy123 · May 9, 2015

I've always gently placed my feather duster where I want it and they always seem to make a home in that spot.

retiredsailor · May 9, 2015

I have 4 feather dusters and they have never moved at all. Three of the four threw their crowns shortly after being in my tank. It took about a month but all came back. It took a few months after that to get one of the crowns back to a mature size, but it made it. Throwing the crown is a normal stress response, though, so if it happens to yours just leave it be.

As for leaving the tube that has happened with mine.