Do dead anemones smell bad?

keri

keri

Active Member
I think the 'nem that arrived 2 days late yesterday might be dead - it has lost almost all colour and seems to be melting.
But it doesn't smell.
Do they smell when they die?
Thanks :)
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
That's one thing sad to say I do know the answer to...YES THEY STINK...AWFUL smell. If it is melting it is almost surely dead....You will smell it when you take it out.
 
keri

keri

Active Member
I did take it out - no smell
I put it back in
(Smelled like fresh seafood should, not fishy at all, just like the ocean)

Thank you for your reply...it's encouraging
:)
(I'm 90% sure it's dead - I just hate to give up on it, it's only about the size of a quarter, will it crash my 27g QT tank?)
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
I don't know what it will do to your tank, I know what you mean about not wanting to get rid of it until you are sure though....BUT I have been told to get it out as soon as possible so you don't pollute your tank.
 
premilove

premilove

Active Member
i had the same issue with my 2 mini anemones. it shouldnt really do anything except raise nitrates, maybe i am wrong. anemones are composed of mostly water regardless. test your water!
 
perfectdark

perfectdark

Active Member
When they are dying they do not smell at all. When they are dead they decomp rather quickly depending on their size and the size of your tank, yes they can create major issues with ammonia levels. They have the same effect on your tank as a fish would if it were to die. Their downside is they decompose faster and not many things eat them. So... as mentioned keep a watchful eye, if it appears to be melting away things stringing off of it, take it out ASAP. And yes once they start to decomp... the smell worse than any dead fish I have ever encountered. Good Luck
 
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