Help! My new feather dusters are leaning over!

[coralgazer]

Is this normal? Do they have the capacity to upright themselves and strengthen their tubes so they stand straight? I just got them today, and they are my 1st critters :-)

 

[Pkunk35]

Yes they can move their tubes around according to how the current is hitting them (I assume we are talking Hawaiian dusters).

Make sure to place their "foot" end next to rock or rubble to let them attach to. You can also prop them up with small rubble if their crowns are in the sand. Soon it will attach and prop itself up or however it likes in the current. Make sure to feed appropriate food and do not let algae build up on the tubes (trust me).

GL with the dusters!

 

[coralgazer]

What do you feed them?

 

[Pkunk35]

Lots of information here: Feather Dusters and here: FeatherFdgFAQs

You need tiny food for them, very small particle size. Personally I think Reef Nutrition oyster feast is a good food for them just watch the amounts you add. I'm also liking the effects of ground up Fauna LPS pellets for my worms also. I can't be sure they are eating that tho.

Also it was suggested in this thread that live phytoplankton can be used. Also i'd "dust" your rocks and sand once in a while.

I've always suspected and read/heard that filter feeders also benefit from selcon supplement and I do also use this and have for many years, but who knows if it does...