Toadstool question

FL_Reefer · May 29, 2016

ok so I have this toadstool that has somehow managed to get to the bottom of my tank over the last year. It just kept attaching its self to my rocks and moved down. Well now it has stretched way out like maybe 6-8" or so and its attached to one of the base rocks so there is not a chance of moving the rock up. I'm thinking of just cutting the "neck" a few inches below the top and getting it to attach to a small rock so I can place it higher with better flow so it can grow. It's definitely not happy where it is now. What's your thoughts on my plan? I know it will be ok by doing this I just need some reassurance from y'all. I'm also gonna cut the remaining "neck" as close to rock as I can get it and hope my crabs take care of the rest. Thanks!

wesamazmy · May 30, 2016

Provide images if you can

FL_Reefer · May 30, 2016

I'm having issues with pic on my phone, the neck is just really stretched out

cowboy · May 30, 2016

If it's stretching down and reattach to rocks lower, if you cut it and move it up it will repeat the process. You might try lowering the light to help promote it to stretch upwards.

FL_Reefer · May 30, 2016

I've gone through a couple different lights on this tank to the current MH I have on there now that's been on for the past 6 months. I have some high dollar acros that are doing great and would not want to risk them for a $20 toadstool by lowering my light anymore than it is. Ya know. I'm just not happy with the location where the toadstool is and it's just alittle stretched from what it has gone through.

FL_Reefer · May 30, 2016

the light is about 12" off the water already. I really just wanted to know if anyone has cut the "neck'' and not had any trouble

dbl · May 30, 2016

I've cut the stem/neck off mine twice, and getting ready to do it again. I've also cut pieces of the head off because it was getting too big. They are very resilient. It won't look good for several days but just leave it alone and it will heal.

That's been my experience anyway.

FL_Reefer · May 30, 2016

That's what I wanted to hear dbl, I knew it would probably be ok to do I just was curious if anyone has done it, thanks!

dbl · May 30, 2016

Glad to help. I couldn't find this picture earlier, but this is the specimen I've chopped up several times. This was 8-9 months ago and I cut the stem off this right below the cap. It's now ready to be done again...lol.

One thing to mention, they don't glue well. I secured mine to a piece of rock with toothpicks and rubberbands. Eventually it attaches to the rock.