Splitting BTA... what do you do?

[MarvinsReef]

I've seen this question many times. I, too was really concern when I was faced with my first split many months ago. I currently have 2 of the bigger BTA's acting funny and what I suspect is gonna be a split. normally, here's the trend... BTA goes into hiding for a few days. this is when I worry since I don't see the normally very puffy, happy, and huge BTA. I haven't gotten exactly how long it takes for a BTA to naturally split. sometimes, the next day, sometimes over the next few days since you don't see the BTA inflate. after the split, the clones remain unhappy for a few days to a week to heal. during this time, don't try to feed the BTA. I just experienced a split last week and I still don't know if I have 2 or 3 clones. I know for sure 2 since the smaller clone moved on the other side of the tank. the bigger one is in the back of the rock work so I cannot tell if there's only a bigger clone or 2 smaller clones. I can sorta see 2 different clones but cannot confirm. all of the clones are currently on recuperating mode. the hardest part during this whole process is the waiting game. most of the time, the clones make it just fine but there's always the chance of weaker clones to not make it or unattached themselves, float away, and be a victim of a powerhead or an overflow. the whole process normally takes 2 weeks of being patient and not trying to do anything to speed up or force the split. anyway, here's my experience. hope it helps.

any other suggestions or observations I missed, please add here.

Thanks.

 

[EnV]

My RBTA's actually split overnight, probably within 6-7hours. Kinda scary at first as you don't know what to do, but what Marvin said, just be patient--dont feed etc.

 

[skinz78]

I've made mine split, no issues.

 

[keome]

I've made mine split, no issues.

i love this way more

 

[Loki]

I have split mine before as well. it took about a day for one clone to open up and be happy the other was about three weeks for it to look normal again. They were cut perfectly in half so not sure what the difference was. Maybe I handled the other a little more.

 

[kmaintl]

Be thankful they don't get themselve caught in a vortech while they move around! that's a fast split that you don't want.

 

[MarvinsReef]

Be thankful they don't get themselve caught in a vortech while they move around! that's a fast split that you don't want.

yeah.. I know. next tank I'll have for sure will be closed loop. I moved most of the rockwork away from the Vortech but I know this won't guarantee not getting BTA soup in the future.

 

[Trex]

I have watched one fully split over the matter of about 5 minutes, it was shocking fast it happened. Unfortunately that was before digital cameras were the norm (( heck, I don't even think I had a cell phone back then, perhaps a true car phone, but not a cell )).

After about 7 years of not keeping E. quadricolors, I had started again, and will have to pay better attention to when mine splits.

 

[cdness]

Mine always show signs of splitting then complete within 24 - 48 hours... I have never lost a split either so I feel they are hardy. My RBTA just split and the clone is in a DIY nem holder bucket made out of that plastic mesh from the sewing department. It works great attached to the side of the tank to hold the clone until it can be sold. To keep it from escaping, just have a little bit of the mesh above the water line. I have never lost a nem this way.

 

[MarvinsReef]

Thanks guys for your input.

 

[Trex]

Another thing to consider is the type of split -- a stress split from poor conditions, or just asexual reproduction.

 

[MarvinsReef]

Another thing to consider is the type of split -- a stress split from poor conditions, or just asexual reproduction.

very good. it's true that sometimes, when you bring home a bigger BTA, they seem to split soon after introducing to the new environment to double or triple the survival rate.