BTA split...doh!

peachie98

Member
Well, as some of you know I have had this gigantic BTA...until today. It split! Now I'm really gonna be short on room in the tank! hahaha (still have it overstocked from when my 24 gallon crashed).
Any suggestions on how to get one off live rock? Both of them are each attached to a different very big chunk of live rock.
Also...the original (larger) section almost looks like it's going to split again...is this possible or is it just where the break was today not healed up yet?
Pretty cool though, I didn't realize it only takes a few hours and they split and were moved apart about 3 inches on separate rocks!
 

peachie98

Member
Oh yeah...my maroon (the female) is completely confused! She's chosen the smaller one but tries to protect them both. The good thing is she's been tolerant of the male (tiny maroon) coming around her so maybe he'll host the other half.
 

lionfish1

Member
I would also like to get an answer to this question. I have a 20 Gallon tank w/ a lta. it was one huge one now its split into three seperate ones, and have taken up way to much room. my lfs will take the extras for store credit, and of course they are all on the biggest rock in the middle that supports the rest of the rocks so removing the rock is not an option. any help would be great.
 

yearofthenick

Active Member
Gently pull it off, separating it from the rock. You've seen them do it at your LFS, right? Do the same thing... and they won't sting you so you don't have anything to worry about, although I would wash my hands after handling it.
 

dse

Member
here in the uk our lf's remove them via a very soft rubber scraper thats for anemonies it's so soft it won't rip the foot.
you still have to be gentel tho and takes time.
but to remove one see if your lfs's have a scraper thats for anemonies.
 

lionfish1

Member
my lfs sells things so quick they usually put them in smooth plastic containers so they can just pick them up.
 

perfectdark

Active Member
Originally Posted by lionfish1
http:///forum/post/2769819
my lfs sells things so quick they usually put them in smooth plastic containers so they can just pick them up.
Im not saying for sure, but I would question weather or not you have an LTA. There is not one known instance of them splitting in captivity, you would be the first.
If you point a power head at them it can aggrivate them enough to where they want to move. Also an LTA is most often found footed deep in the sand bed.
 

peachie98

Member
I was worried about prying them off...I "tried" prying my curly q off the rock in my nanocube and it ended up dying and crashing the tank.

I'd be really upset to have one of these bta die on me!
Not sure what to do yet...so far both halves are small and staying a couple inches from each other (haven't moved since split). The female maroon has chosen the one she likes, and now is letting my male get closer to the other one. Might be good to have both in there!
We'll see...I'm sure 2 of them will very quickly outgrow my 40gallon, and what if they split again! hahaha
 

lionfish1

Member
Originally Posted by PerfectDark
http:///forum/post/2769845
Im not saying for sure, but I would question weather or not you have an LTA. There is not one known instance of them splitting in captivity, you would be the first.
If you point a power head at them it can aggrivate them enough to where they want to move. Also an LTA is most often found footed deep in the sand bed.
your right it's a bta that doesn't b I was mistaken. I'm sure it's the same process for removal though, correct?
 
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