Coax a BTA Off a Rock

Averhoeven · Oct 24, 2018

I have 2 BTAs that have their feet embedded in a large rock I got from a local reefer. During QT I noticed a couple aptasia that I killed. However, I put the whole thing in the DT yesterday and noticed a couple more small ones. I don't want to have to acclimate everything back to the QT again. So, is there any way to coax a BTA out of its spot and to somewhere else so I can remove the rock?
Thanks

NY_Caveman · Oct 24, 2018

If the foot is really deep in the rock, beyond what you can massage, or coax with a fingernail, or credit card, you could try ice along the foot. A powerhead pointed at it may do it too, but it is more stressful.

dylana407 · Oct 24, 2018

If your QT is an empty tank, all you have to do is mix up a batch of water and move your rock there. You don't have to acclimate anything.

jd371 · Oct 24, 2018

Position the rock with the nem facing up. Cover it with a piece of PVC long enough so instead of stretching the nem has to move through the PVC to get to the light.

Averhoeven · Oct 24, 2018

dylana407 said:
If your QT is an empty tank, all you have to do is mix up a batch of water and move your rock there. You don't have to acclimate anything.

QT is already full of water with a carpet Nem in it that decided he had a taste for anthias. Plus, I'd like to leave the BTAs in the display since that's their ultimate home anyway.
Unfortunately, their feet are pretty deep in the rock, so I think the PVC or powerhead methods might be what I give a shot. Thanks

cromag27 · Oct 24, 2018

it’s actual called a pedal disc. the best way would be to split the rock. everything else could just be a waste of time.

dylana407 · Oct 24, 2018

Averhoeven said:
QT is already full of water with a carpet Nem in it that decided he had a taste for anthias. Plus, I'd like to leave the BTAs in the display since that's their ultimate home anyway.
Unfortunately, their feet are pretty deep in the rock, so I think the PVC or powerhead methods might be what I give a shot. Thanks

IMO, it is best to leave it on the rock. That way you can put the rock anywhere in your DT with lower risk of it walking. If you force it off the rock, it may end up in a place where you don't want it to be. If your carpet is fine with the current water in the QT, your BTA will be fine as well.
Btw, I would blame it on the dumb anthias. The carpet was just doing what it was meant to do...lol