BTA stuck in cave?

hokey11 · Apr 27, 2023

First off, shout out to my LFS who gave me just about the most inaccurate information possible. I recently added a BTA to my tank. He moved from the spot I placed him into this cave-like structure and hasn’t moved since. My concern is that it is stuck in the cave. I just got my par meter delivered the other day and it was registering around 50 by the nem, which I know is too low. It’s only been in low light for about a week. But the nem didn’t move to the highest/brightest point like I expected it to. It’s definitely stretching towards the light which tells me it wants more.

My main question: Is it possible that it is really stuck in that cave? Also, how quickly can I ramp up my lights to the desired 220-350 for the nem? Thanks in advance.

lmfbs · Apr 27, 2023

They can squeeze through tiny gaps, I wouldn't worry too much about him being stuck. Give him time, he looks okay for now. A week of low light isn't going to kill him.

KrisReef · Apr 27, 2023

These nems are very picky about their points of attachments and anchoring onto solid substrate that doesn’t move. Small rocks that can get blown away in a storm just won’t do. They will find their anchor point and stretch out to see if they can get enough light in the spot, otherwise they will pack up and move around looking for a better place to live.