New RBTA Have Questions

Krawl · Oct 9, 2017

Okay Saturday, we went to the LFS and picked up Rose Bubble Tip Men. Never had one before, it was the last one they had and came from a new split. He is about the size of a quarter.

Brought it home and dripped it for 2hrs. Places it on a rock down low and he moved down about 4inchs to where he is now.

Here is how he looked yesterday:

Here he is today when we got home:

So... is this normal? Also how did it look in the first picture? Starting to think I over paid for him and hope he makes it.

Jason mack · Oct 9, 2017

Yes it’s normal .. it can take a while for them to acclimatize too your tank , water , lights , just give it time it will find it’s own spot where he’s happy .. patience is everything !

Jason mack · Oct 9, 2017

May I ask how old your tank is .. nem’s do beter in more mature tanks .. so if your tank is less than 6 months old ,

Amoo · Oct 9, 2017

look like it has been through a powerhead, that thing looks horrible man.

Krawl · Oct 9, 2017

Tank is over a year now. Maybe a year and a half.

And he has not been through a power yet here maybe somewhere else. Does nems regenerate if they have been damaged?

Jason mack · Oct 9, 2017

Krawl said:
Tank is over a year now. Maybe a year and a half.

And he has not been through a power yet here maybe somewhere else. Does nems regenerate if they have been damaged?

I would just give him time .. don’t feed it

dylana407 · Oct 9, 2017

It looks like a propagated nem. For me, it is sad people would do that for money.
Back to the nem. It is not normal for it to fold up like that. However, don't worry just yet. Give it a couple of days. Make sure it is not being harass by other inhabitants.

spiraling · Oct 9, 2017

Ive had my RTBA for several years and it seems quite healthy, but it often sucks back into its foot. Usually at night, but lately has also been taking an afternoon nap. Maybe its the clowns, tank schedule, or maybe just nem behavior?

As long as your feels 'sticky' and the mouth is not gaping open (looks good in the photo) it will most likely be fine in a mature stable tank. It should also heal and grow.

Krawl · Oct 9, 2017

Might be a dumb question but will bubble tips come in all around the center section?

tdileo · Oct 9, 2017

As long as it recovers properly, they will grow around it. However a lot of BTAs lose their bubbles and it’s unknown why beyond speculation.

Andy G · Oct 9, 2017

Give it a coupe of days, try dosing RS Reef Energy, they like the amino acids.

Amoo · Oct 10, 2017

I would suggest finding a new local fish store or simply just ordering online from now on. That thing isn't fully recovered and now must do so in your tank. Not exactly the easiest experience for a first time Nem owner.

Secondly, you don't need to feed it anything special. Go through the sticky on food, read about frequencies...etc. If you go through the comments I've replied about what and how much.

The good news is it looks well attached, but that can change in a heartbeat if you're not able to keep a daily eye on the foot.

Krawl · Oct 10, 2017

Looking better today... so far.

I will read the sticky on feeding. Do you guys think it is ready to eat?

tdileo · Oct 10, 2017

I don’t suggest feeding a nem until it’s settled in for a week. Not to mention this one isn’t fully healed. Honestly I probably wouldn’t feed it for 3 weeks or so unless it magically gets much better

Krawl · Oct 10, 2017

Gets better as in? What am I looking for? Regrowth all the way around the rim of the nem?

TheLadyCrash · Oct 10, 2017

Krawl said:
Starting to think I over paid for him and hope he makes it.

How much did you pay for this little guy?

Krawl · Oct 15, 2017

Sorry Lady, he was $45.00.

Now I am getting worried. Here he is tonight...

spiraling · Oct 15, 2017

Still attached to rock? that would be a good sign.
Sometimes they pull in like that. Not happy, but not necessarily bad.
I assume you are keeping your water parameters good?