Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

LPS, SPS and all coral chat
Post Reply
User avatar
Coryd
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2022 9:59 am

Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by Coryd »

My Bubble Tip Anemone has been shrinking over the past week. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8.2 pH, 1.025 salinity. It's in a 75-gallon tank with two Clownfish, a Cleaner Shrimp, and some Zoas. Lighting is AI Prime 16HD, 8 hours a day. I feed it mysis shrimp every other day. Any ideas what's up?
learns
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:14 pm

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by learns »

How old is your tank? Anemones can be sketchy in newer setups. Also, what's your temp and alkalinity? Sometimes they freak out if those swing too much.
SeaWavz
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:58 pm

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by SeaWavz »

Yo, check your flow too. BTA's don't dig crazy current. Mine bounced back when I dialed down the MP40. Also, they're picky about light, maybe tweak the intensity if it's too harsh.
flipper9
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Apr 29, 2022 6:14 am

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by flipper9 »

Mine did the same thing last month. Turned out my magnesium was low. Fixed it with Red Sea Reef Foundation and it perked up in a few days.
landonx
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2024 3:08 am

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by landonx »

SeaWavz wrote: Tue Jun 03, 2025 1:29 pm Yo, check your flow too. BTA's don't dig crazy current. Mine bounced back when I dialed down the MP40. Also, they're picky about light, maybe tweak the intensity if it's too harsh.
Good point on the flow. I had to move mine away from the powerhead because it kept getting blasted. Now it's chilling in a low-flow spot and looks way happier.
reelpro
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Dec 07, 2023 4:27 pm

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by reelpro »

Could be stress from the Clowns messing with it too much. Mine shriveled up when my pair got too clingy. Maybe give it some space if they're all over it.
User avatar
Coryd
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2022 9:59 am

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by Coryd »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Tank's been up for a year, temp is 78, alk is 8 dKH. I'll check the flow and maybe move it to a quieter spot. Appreciate the help!
learns
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:14 pm

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by learns »

Coryd wrote: Tue Jun 03, 2025 5:28 pm Thanks for the tips, everyone. Tank's been up for a year, temp is 78, alk is 8 dKH. I'll check the flow and maybe move it to a quieter spot. Appreciate the help!
Sounds like your params are solid. If it's still acting weird after adjusting the flow, try a small water change. Sometimes trace elements get out of whack.
SeaWavz
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:58 pm

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by SeaWavz »

Also, don't stress if it takes a minute to bounce back. These guys can be drama queens. Mine looked like a raisin for a week before it plumped up again.
flipper9
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Apr 29, 2022 6:14 am

Re: Why Is My Anemone Shrinking?

Post by flipper9 »

Yep, patience is key. Just keep an eye on it and avoid making too many changes at once. That's how I nuked my first BTA.
Post Reply