Rescue carpet

[BestMomEver]

I went on my regular Saturday LFS circuit today. The biggest LFS had a green carpet in a tank with dirty water, dirty sand and not enough light. I actually saw this anemone when it first arrived. It was about 5” across and beautiful. Today when I saw it, I didn’t even know it was the same one. I won’t say it was sick, but it was definitely stressed. The LFS originally priced it $80 but I wouldn’t pay that with it looking so pitiful. I talked the owner into selling it to me for $25 so I could try to save it.

I acclimated very slowly. I think I dripped for nearly two hours. It is very sticky which is a good sign. Unfortunately, I don’t have a QT right now but I have a new-ish tank dedicated to nems and clowns. Currently, there are two baby BTAs and two baby Clarkii clowns. The tank is a Biocube LED 32 with stock lighting. I put the carpet in with the flow off and the lights low and dug a little hole for it. It unfolded a little and is attaching to the sand at the base of a rock. So far it looks ok.

All you nem experts.... I know my tank is too new for a carpet to thrive but I’m trying to give this guy a chance. Truthfully, he’s better off in my new tank than in the LFS cesspool system. So.... tell me where to go from here. I’ve been thinking about upgrading to Steve’s LEDs. I was told that the BTAs would be fine under the stock light but I’m not sure about carpets. Should I upgrade? Also, how long should I wait before I try to feed it and what should I feed it? Should I add anything to the tank as treatment, either prophylactically or otherwise? If so, what and will my fish be ok in the tank with the meds.

I would appreciate any help you can offer. I will know more tomorrow and will try to get a pick when the lights come on.

 

[Amoo]

read through the Cipro sticky thread, there's info in there to order some to have on hand. Chances are you're going to need a light upgrade. Start accumulating things now for a QT/Rx because chances are you may need it if it is in really bad shape already.

Start making long term plans for a larger tank.

 

[BestMomEver]

read through the Cipro sticky thread, there's info in there to order some to have on hand. Chances are you're going to need a light upgrade. Start accumulating things now for a QT/Rx because chances are you may need it if it is in really bad shape already.

Start making long term plans for a larger tank.

Yep... lighting is on its way. I’ll get some cipro. I don’t do cipro until I need it though, right? How large a tank? I have a 60 cube but I really don’t want him in there. If I need a really huge one then I’ll have to find him a home at some point. Will he grow fast?

Thanks for info and reference...

Elizabeth

 

[Amoo]

correct, Cipro isn't a proactive treatment, it's a reactive treatment. If you had a 60 and designed it specifically around having the carpet you could make it work but they do get quite large.

Is there any chance you can snap a picture of it. It will help us both now and in the future in helping you if things start taking a turn for the worse.