Feathers dusters

[Rlumenator]

I have a 155 gal aquarium. So far live rock, blue and red legged hermit crabs, with a few scarlet legs. There are also a lot of snails. I also have a 3-4 inch Hippo Tang, Rainford's Goby, and a Tiger Gogy. I bought a couple of feather dusters ( one was purchased a week ago, the other two weeks ago) who seemed to be just fine until I returned from a five day vacation to find all their "feathers" gone. One is hanging out in the water with a virtually bald head- he withdraws quickly if approached.The tank was being fed Brine shrimp, frozen algae cubes (instantly devoured) and a capful of "Reef Plus" twice a week. What happened?? Thank you.

 

[panmanmatt]

Welcome to Reef.Org Dawn
First off what are your parameters(ph, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, salinity, temp)? When feather dusters drop their feathers, it's usually do to stress. parameters out of whack are usually the main cause or they are being irritated by one of it's tankmates. most times they will grow them back and be fine but if you don't illiminate the stress factor they won't survive very long.

 

[Anonymous]

I would suggest the same. Check the params. Good luck.

 

[cdeakle]

ditto...

 

[Rlumenator]

parameters are fine.

 

[panmanmatt]

what are the params? any further info you could give would be really helpful.

 

[R33f_$hark]

I have a feather duster and while I was out for a few days as well I came back to find that it shed it's crown. I did a water test (nitrates were a little high) and followed by a water change. After a couple of days I noticed that there were some tiny feathers regrowing. A little while later my feather duster had his full crown again. So, like the others said, if you eliminate the stressful factor, I see no reason that you feather duster shouldn't return to full health. :wink: