First Feather Duster

[nkd5024]

Hey Everyone, this is my first post so I figure I should introduce myself. My name is Nick, I live in the U.S. (pennsylvania). I have been keeping marine aquarium for around four years now. I recently took down my 90 gallon reef because I just moved to my first apartment for college. As of right now I have a 10 Gallon Nano tank I started about a month ago, until I can save up some money for something a little bigger.

So I was at the fish store today and decided to finally try out a feather duster worm. I figured it would close its crown on the drive home, and the acclimation, but it didn't close at all. I'v had friends with feather dusters before and know that they usually close when you touch them. I tried looking on the internet for a reason, but it seems that everyone else has the opposite problem. lol So does anyone have any idea why my feather duster doesn't retract into the tube? I also noticed that the inner portion of each individual "feather" on the crown turns a greenish tint for about a second then turns back to its normal coloring. what else is weird is that only half of the crown has the green tint at a time. When the color goes back to normal the other half turns greenish. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.


Thank in advanced,

Nick

 

[-Nemo-]

Hello Nick,

Welcome to TTF. Not sure about the answer to your question, but I'll add this in.

I had two feather dusters in my tank, bought at the same time. The dwarf one was similar to yours in that it did not always retract into the tube when touched. Unfortunately a few months after having it, it "mysteriously" disappeared AKA died . Not sure if reaction has anything to do with health although it would make sense if it did, my other one is still alive and is very sensitive to touch.

Again, not sure, just adding my experience.

Oh and post pictures of your tank? We like pictures.

 

[nkd5024]

Yeah I'm not sure if not retracting has anything to do with health or what not but I don't get a good feeling about it not retracting so I guess we'll see. I'll post pics sometime soon. I don't have a camera but my dad is a photographer so I'm sure he will let me borrow a little point and shoot.

 

[nkd5024]

UPDATE: about 6 hours after being placed into the aquarium, I noticed that it closed about half way. It didn't retract completely into its tube, but it pull all of its individual "feathers" together. I guess this is a good sign? I put in a drop of Kent photoMAX and zooMAX a few hours ago, is that a good food source for the feather duster or would it need rotifers or some other type of food as well?

 

[seffieuk]

to TFF and the salty side of the forum

They are filter filters so phyto or the like is your best bet. Would love to see some photos and hear a bit more about your plans?

Seffie x