RBTA in My SPS Dominated Tank?

Joe Knows Reefs · Jul 26, 2011

I've been really itching to put a nice BTA in my SPS dominated 75g. I've been hesitant to do so due to horror stories I've heard, mainly from someone that I won't name but they have a disliking for nems. So I guess I'm asking if I should/could/would put one in my tank... I would love to have a really nice one, possibly with a clown or two; but I don't want my corals beaten up by a nem on a road trip :wink:

What do you think?

Thanks!

Troylee · Jul 26, 2011

My thoughts for the last 3 years I finally said the heck with it and got a signature nem "Sexycorals" and a pair of snocassos I couldn't be happier!!!! It's so awesome to watch and brings so much color... Just keep the nem happy and you shouldnt have any problems.... That's been my experience this far only a month and half or so lol

emerald525 · Jul 26, 2011

I love rbtas too. I have had people who have had no issues and the nem never moved. I had one that was fine for a year and then decided to take a trip down "park avenue" and stress me out that it was going to sting my nice corals. I would point a powerhead at it to make it go back the other way but finally just gave up and took it out and now I am living a more happy stress free life and got a nano tank for my nems!

macawmagic · Jul 26, 2011

I had a RBTA in my sps 75. It was super happy and about 12" in diameter up in the one corner. One day i lost power for like 2 hours and he decided to start walking. Thankfully he walked under the rocks, but he came out right in the middle of a huge sps patch. I ended up setting up a 29 gal tank for him, but before I could get him out he walked into one of my maximods and shredded himself into pieces. I ended up getting everything out of the tank and not losing any corals, but I don't know that I'll ever put one in an sps tank again unless the tank is big enough and I would have to have the mentality that the nem was more important than any of the corals.

aka I wouldn't do it...but have before with success for about 2 years before the mishap.

Ericm1205 · Jul 27, 2011

if you surround his foot with rubble rock he mostly likely stay put. Anthony Calfo told me this little trick and it has worked well with me.

robsreefs · Jul 27, 2011

i would giveit a try good luck

Joe Knows Reefs · Jul 28, 2011

Wow, I'm still torn after all of these posts... I love my corals and I don't know if I would risk losing them. Hmmmm...

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BlueHeaven · Jul 28, 2011

I say put it and watch carefully until it finds a comfortable spot

returnofsid · Jul 28, 2011

I've kept an RBTA, in a reef tank, for 6 years. The past 2, almost 3 years, it's been in an SPS dominated 200DD. No issues at all. Lately, I have considered removing it, not because it's caused any issues, but because it takes up a lot of space high in the tank. This space might be becoming more important to me, for SPS. Haven't completely decided yet.

Troylee · Jul 28, 2011

I live mine and the symbolic relationship with clowns is unbeatable man.... I would take it over my sticks and I'm stick head... It took me 3 years to pull the trigger and so glad I did...1smile1

revhtree · Jul 28, 2011

Ericm1205 said:
if you surround his foot with rubble rock he mostly likely stay put. Anthony Calfo told me this little trick and it has worked well with me.

Now that is a great reef nugget right there.

Joe Knows Reefs · Aug 2, 2011

revhtree said:
Now that is a great reef nugget right there.

For sure! I think I may now be convinced...this info plus returnofsid and Troylee. Thanks for the info guys! Good news is I have a friend who propogates them and has some really nice ones. Time to get my pick of the litter!

Joe Knows Reefs · Aug 4, 2011

Got a piar of picassos today, hopefully will grab the nem this weekend. Pics will follow

Troylee · Aug 4, 2011

Nice man can't wait to see it..1smile1

Aquaph8 · Aug 4, 2011

Once its happy give it lots of space and you'll be fine. They stretch out pretty far and grow pretty big and are capable of leaning over pretty far. Goodluck, Im sure you'll love it.

Surf&turf · Aug 4, 2011

Been their, done that, got the tee shirt. Wouldn't do it again. Had a green that didn't move until it split. Then they both wouldn't quit moving. Finally got them out into another tank.

In a SPS dominate tank, they can sting some nice stuff!!!

Joe Knows Reefs · Aug 7, 2011

I did it! Got a pair of picassos and a nice rainbow/bicolor bubble tip. Will get some pics tomorrow

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ronnie · Aug 7, 2011

Good choice!

I've had an anemone for four years strong in my reef. Love it!

It has only split once so far (when I was feeding it). The clone wandered, but I grabbed it out before it could do any harm.

The original has grown enough to where it is stinging my pink lemonade and green slimer, but only on the base of the PL occasionally and a couple tips of green slimer.

Mine better not start moving after I type this, though!!