How to Help an Anemone With Stretched Thin Tentacles?

The best way to help an anemone with long, thin tentacles is to leave it alone. Anemones often stretch out their tentacles in the search for food. They also flatten themselves out to absorb more light. An anemone, under normal circumstances, can be twice as large one day as it is the next. Anemone tentacles that are deflated for more than a few days are a sign of poor health, but as long as an anemone is regularly stretching out its tentacles, it is still actively searching for food and light.

Things You'll Need

  • Protein skimmer filtration system
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep lots of light available for your anemone, particularly if it is a clownfish host anemone. Anemones need lots of light and will flatten out to expand their size in order to absorb more when there is insufficient light. Give an anemone at least 4 watts of light per gallon of water in the tank.

    • 2

      Use a protein skimmer filtration system to keep the tank free of organic wastes. Organic wastes can be particularly hazardous to anemones. You can find a protein skimmer at any fish store that handles supplies for saltwater tanks.

    • 3

      Maintain the water in the tank at a constant temperature of between 78 to 80 degrees F and at a pH of 8.2 to 8.4. Though it is not necessary for all anemones, this will help the most delicate anemones to thrive.

    • 4

      Feed the anemone a piece of raw shrimp about the size of its mouth no more than three times a week. Anemones will capture other food in a tank that contains other fish. Do not use liquid target foods in a tank that contains anemones.