BTA split

[ian cooper]

Just a short note to tell someone (as my wife does not seem too impressed), that my BTA split into two tonight. I've only had it for about three months now, and I can't believe how rapidly it split. Yesterday it looked its usual self. Tonight it appeared a little withdrawn. a few hours later and there is two anenomes where one used to be. Amazing to witness. My clownfish seems confused as to which he/she should inhabit. The clone is now about 2-3 inches away from the "original" colony.

On a related topic. I saw the posts regarding the BBC production of Blue Planet available at Future Shop. I checked it out and managed to find the DVD about coral seas and seasonal oceans sold separately for $21.99. A little cheaper than the full set for those on a budget. Take care.

[afss]

congrats on the new one:D

Got any pics of it before and after the split?

Scott

[ian cooper]

Scott, sorry for the delay in responding, but the high speed connection seems anything but high speed these last couple of days.

I'm sorry, but I don't have a digital camera. The anenomes are now a few inches apart and healed up. Both are about 4 inches across. Do you or anyone else know how I might coax one of the anenomes out of the crevices in the rock they are on. Keeping one anenome in a tank with mixed corals is risky enough, so I would like to separate one of the clones and move it away from other corals in the vicinity. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks.

[afss]

If you do get it seperated i would be interested in giving it a home. :D

I think your best bet is to place another rock near it and let it move onto that rock and then move it

I'll try to think of other methods. Deffinetly DO NOT try to peel it off, It will probably cause damage to the foot resulting in a very unhappy anemone

Scott

[ajx22]

To get the anemone to let go of its footing - either place an icecube against it's foot (may take a few icecubes) - or position a powerhead so that it is blowing against the one you want to move. Either will annoy the anemone, and cause him to WANT to move.

Do make sure that if you are using the powerhead method, that you use a powerhead with a intake strainer to prevent any accidents to the anemone or other tank life.

Good luck!

[afss]

Any luck with getting the clone to move onto another piece and into a different area of your tank?

Scott

[ian cooper]

Hi Scott,

I wanted to wait a few days to ensure that both anenomes were fully healed. I don't want to stress them too much. I will try the icecube method this weekend and let you know if I'm able to move the anenome to another smaller rock. Stay tuned...

[ian cooper]

Sorry did not have an opportunity to try the ice cube method yet. Had another addition to the family (human this time) this weekend, so the tank will have to wait until things settle down. Will let you know how things go with the anenome.

[afss]

gotta hate it when family takes away from the tank:D

Just kidding

Looking forward to hearing how you make out

Scott

[ian cooper]

Sorry Scott, the clone moved down and out of the crevice it was in so I thought I'd try the icecube method. It sure worked to make it contract, but no luck whatsoever in detaching its base. I'm going to have to wait and see if it moves more out into the open where I can get the edge of a credit card or something under its base. I don't feel too good having two large anenomes around my corals!

[afss]

No Problem

I know moving anemones can be a PITA.

Stay in touch and let me know how things go.

Scott:cheers:

[ian cooper]

Good news Scott,

I placed a rock quite near the clone to block almost all current from reaching it. The clone didn't like it and finally began to move out into the open today. This evening I was able to get the round edge of a credit card under the base and move the clone to another smaller rock away in the corner of the tank. The base didn't look any the worse for wear. Boy were the tentacles sticky though. Anyway, its looking for a home if you or someone is interested. Thanks for your interest.

[afss]

More than interested... I would love to get it. What would you like for compensation?

E-mail me at afnss@cogeco.ca

Thanks
Scott

[afss]

Well I met up with ian last night at the MAST meeting. I am amazed at the size and health of the BTA. It is Way bigger and WAY more healthy than i expected it to be. I put it in my tank last night when i got home and it quickly found a spot on the rock that it liked and has stayed there since then. It has acctually picked the location that i kinda was hoping it would:D Now I just have to wait and see if it will stay there:thumbsup:

Thanks again Ian

Scott

[ian cooper]

Scott, glad the anenome is okay. I was a little worried becuase it had a rough week after getting evicted from its perch and all. Thanks again for the frag - its really healthy and all polyps extended. I'll see you at the next MAST meeting and bring you some sand and some terebellid worms. Take care.

Ian

[afss]

well the bta is still in the same place. The clowns have shown no intrest in it what so ever, but i still like having it. What were you feeding it before i got it?

Scott

[ian cooper]

Scott.

Clownfish are somewhat unpredictable in that regard. My clownfish took over a week before it settled in, and now it never leaves. I would feed the anenome once a week with a 1/2 cube of mysis shrimp. Other than that. it would catch the occassional piece of food meant for the fishes.

[afss]

OK.. thanks. It has been catching some of the food, but i will make sure to get some mysis shrimp for it.

Scott