Getting a RBTA off a Rock

[Tennsquire]

One bubble tip 'nem is now four, and I want to remove one or two and pass them on to other local reefers. What's the best way to get them off of the rocks to which they're attached? I've read ice in a bag and using a powerhead directed at their foot. What have been some successful methods employed?

 

[ChadLo]

One bubble tip 'nem is now four, and I want to remove one or two and pass them on to other local reefers. What's the best way to get them off of the rocks to which they're attached? I've read ice in a bag and using a powerhead directed at their foot. What have been some successful methods employed?

Haven't had to do it but what if you try changing the flow pattern on 1 or 2 of them?

 

[Dancingmad]

All those things. If they are on a flat or smooth rock I've used an old hotel door key/credit card or a my thumb nail to get them off: To be clear I did not scrap them off or use anything metal. A torn foot is a real shop stopper. It was more to agitate the foot and make it release.

I've got some truly gnarly rock though so I usually just include the rock in the giveaway or ask for a trade. Health of the nem > all.

 

[Tennsquire]

All those things. If they are on a flat or smooth rock I've used an old hotel door key/credit card or a my thumb nail to get them off: To be clear I did not scrap them off or use anything metal. A torn foot is a real shop stopper. It was more to agitate the foot and make it release.

I've got some truly gnarly rock though so I usually just include the rock in the giveaway or ask for a trade. Health of the nem > all.

They may all be attached to the same rock, but I could possibly split the rock....

 

[homer1475]

While I've never had to move my BTA, my rather large rock flower (about the size of a saucer)I've moved several times. Ice to the edge of the foot has always gotten it to lift it's foot, then I simply and slowly peel the foot off the rock.

 

[jd371]

I will be needing to do this soon too. Because of the location of the nem I'm going to try the ice method. If the nem was facing up on the rock I would have used a piece of PVC. You cover the nem with a piece of PVC that's long enough that it has to move through the PVC to get to the light, once it detaches from the rock and goes into the PVC you remove it.

 

[homer1475]

I will be needing to do this soon too. Because of the location of the nem I'm going to try the ice method. If the nem was facing up on the rock I would have used a piece of PVC. You cover the nem with a piece of PVC that's long enough that it has to move through the PVC to get to the light, once it detaches from the rock and goes into the PVC you remove it.

Never heard of this PVC method. Might have to try it next time I need to move one.

 

[Tennsquire]

I will be needing to do this soon too. Because of the location of the nem I'm going to try the ice method. If the nem was facing up on the rock I would have used a piece of PVC. You cover the nem with a piece of PVC that's long enough that it has to move through the PVC to get to the light, once it detaches from the rock and goes into the PVC you remove it.

I like the sound of this and just may try it. These bubble tips are beautiful and healthy, but are starting to take over the back corner of my reef. I imagine my female maroon clown will be none too pleased, but one or two of them have to go soon.

 

[jd371]

I would use the PVC method myself but my RBTA split and they are both facing sideways, and on top of that they lost their bubbles so now the tentacles are longer and getting close to sweeping against some coral.

 

[mahindra.dev]

I've removed them successfully in the past by doing 2 things.
a. The usual power head, change the flow and tick them off
b. 2nd is the same but i used a turkey baster and kept blowing at the foot, the slowly detach and you can scoop them off. This wont bother other corals and blow sand or anything.

Both work easily if you can move the rock ofcourse. The turkey baster is a PIA as you have to keep doing it, but a great workout

 

[Wesley42079]

What always works for me, is to get a Qtip and slowly rup against the foot. After a few minutes, the foot starts to release off the rock.

Becareful in not damaging the foot. Remember that patience is the key.