LTA moving around

[Superbean]

This is my first post but I have been reefing for 8 years. This tank has been through a few owners and is over 10 years old. A year and a half ago, I had it moved to my home. This Purple LTA came with it. The tank has been doing well and is stable. PH right now is 8.15, alk at 9.6, phosphates at .08, nitrates at 2.3

This anemone has been in the substrate and rock for quite some time, but last week he moved to this spot. Should I be concerned or just leave him alone? Why his foot is attached in this way to the wall concerns me a bit, but the anemone looks otherwise healthy and has not had any issues in this tank previously.

 

[BonnieB]

Welcome to our R2R family! A nem will do what it wants to do is the simple answer. I have a Sherman BTA that moved in a circle around the island in the substrate for a month then decided to go on a two week tour of the tank before “settling” in a spot mid tank (it’s dark so I can’t check yet this morning). Honestly, can do this and you never know when. It could be the flow differently dosages with them, they want more or less lighting, or maybe it’s getting ready to split. If it looks healthy I’d just watch it and see. Some of mine shrink like that while they are relocating until they are settled. Don’t try to move it off if its foot is secured or you risk tearing it. See if it takes food as that would be a positive sign. If it continues to move consider looking at your lighting and flow.

 

[Superbean]

Thanks for the validation that I should just leave it alone. I look forward to seeing where he decides to relocate! He was firmly “planted” on the right side of my tank and thriving. I’m surprised this tour is happening. There have been times when he has been very large as well (12 inches across), and looking good. One other concern I have, is that there’s a RBTA that has been splitting (had 4 a year ago now I’ve got 7). And there are green zoas that have taken over the back wall. Do either of those interfere with the LTA in a way that would hurt it?

 

[BonnieB]

Thanks for the validation that I should just leave it alone. I look forward to seeing where he decides to relocate! He was firmly “planted” on the right side of my tank and thriving. I’m surprised this tour is happening. There have been times when he has been very large as well (12 inches across), and looking good. One other concern I have, is that there’s a RBTA that has been splitting (had 4 a year ago now I’ve got 7). And there are green zoas that have taken over the back wall. Do either of those interfere with the LTA in a way that would hurt it?

They shouldn’t but you can definitely trim back the zoas (just wear PPE when doing it). Here’s mine a couple of days ago with a zoa colony and candy canes right next to it.