Featherdusters and an anemone question

[ShagMan]

Guys,

I bought a live rock from a local pet store that had a featherduster colony on it (guy who dug it up for me just charged me the regular $5/lb. for it)... the featherdusters are growing and reproducing like MAD; what I'd like to know is: are they going to be fullsized ones (the kind with a 4"+ fan-spread)? The local pet store tells me that they're miniature ones and won't grow to fullsize, but you guys all know how local pet stores can be.

Here's what they looked like when I got 'em (very tiny/delicate, note the small hermit crab and lack of color on the fans):

and after six month's worth of growth (pic was taken farther back, they're a LOT larger):

 

[Tremelle]

No, those are not the same kind as the larger featherdusters. I have this small kind growing like wild in my sump. They cover everything like a mat. I have to harvet them out every so often to keep them from plugging my return pump. They can become a problem after time if not controlled.

 

[ShagMan]

Well, drat! How come I always get the UNWANTED hitchhikers (sponges, small featherdusters, bubble algea)? Thanks for the response.

 

[Anonymous]

I think those guys add interest to the tank; I only have a few but people always notice them. Sure they can get in pumps, powerheads etc. but if you didn't have tubeworms there are other crunchy little critters that are going to force getting those things cleaned out from time to time anyway.

As long as they don't get out of hand, enjoy them.

 

[ShagMan]

That's a good point; the featherdusters do add to the look of the tank.

Any tips on keeping a LTA? As you can see, the one in the pic has never looked completely white/clear/healthy as he did in the store. I feed him small salad shrimp (warmed/thawed in hot water) once every few days, but I'm not sure what to do other than that.

 

[Anonymous]

Reproduction and growth of fanworms is a sign of good water quality. They will not effect other inverts(unless you consider their removal of nutrients and plankton from the water detremental. They could compete with other filter feeders). I would not consider these small fanworms unwanted. I have them all over my tank and appreciate their presence.

Your LTA is actually healthier when it is beige(got it's zoo back). She should be fine as long as you feed her here and there.