Anyone ever frag a BTA?

[baxterdawg]

Hey All,

I have a GBTA that is getting massive and have seen posts in the past of people splitting anemones. Anyone ever do this with a BTA. When mine is fully extended it can measure 16-18 inches across. I would have thought it would have split on its own, but no luck.

 

[fkdenton]

I induced a split on a RBTA. Wait until it is stretched out and then use a razor blade and cut through the mouth and out one side. It will do the rest on its own. Worked well for me.

 

[breutus]

I have heard mixed results about cutting them by I have always been able to get them to split by making some type of drastic change in something there used to. such as maybe an major change in it's diet all the way to the extreme of QTing it in a tank with much less light... but anything that it feels threatened and has to multiply.

I think it is a good testament that yours has never split it means it feels safe and happy!

 

[Nanook]

I would not cut it until you ask this question in the Anemone and clownfish forums...there are several very knowledgeable folks in there.

 

[capncapo]

According to Anthony Calfo you can just cut your anemone in half and it will recover is a short time. Include a piece of the mouth if you do.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[rams]

BTAs are tough, heck Jack had a RBTA go thru his power head and it recovered. Not a recommended way to frag.

I have tried to remove BTAs from rocks leaving part of the foot which regenerates.

I have cut them but that is the worst because they release some nasty stuff into the water column.

I have made them split in half with a rubber band around the rock they are on thru the center. Whenever they are irritated they want to move at all cost including leaving part of themselves behind.

the easiest way is time and a lot of siversides. Once you get it to split trade the bigger clone.

 

[capncapo]

Listen to Dennis if you want to know how to procreate!

Poor sucker.

 

[baxterdawg]

Thanks for all the feedback.

Okay now, let's see if I can summarize this.

1. Cut it
2. No, don't cut it
3. Light starve it in different tank,
4. No, keep it in same tank, just feed it like crazy to grow twice as big

Did I miss any?

Actually, I had been feeding it silversides about twice a week for several months, which got me in the current situation. So, I am somewhat reluctant to force feed it to induce a split. Now I feed it about once ever week and half.

I would prefer not to cut it in the display tank so my other corals don't take a hit from it stressing out.

I do like the idea of the rubberband, if that will work. Although that might be difficult because it is attached to a big rock.

It is pretty happy where it is. I would like to move it to it's own tank, but that would require me to set up a new tank. Not likely with Christmas in 2 weeks and a new baby on the way.

Thanks again,

 

[breutus]

If you are really that religious about feeding it and that is it's primary diet then all you have to do is quit feeding it or feed it something it's not used to for a couple of weeks it will almost assuredly split

 

[capncapo]

Brian,

If you don't have room in another tank for it to recuperate for a while then don't cut it. They can release nasties that may not be the best for your other tank inhabitants.

Just keep feeding it and it will eventually split on its own. If it doesn't then search the net for the Guiness folks. You may become famous for the Worlds Biggest GBTA!

If that happens, tell them that I taught you everything you know.

 

[rams]

I have about 7 of them now ranging from 2" to 9". Try and remove it from the rock and throw it in a bucket. Take it to a shop and trade it for something new. Then stop by and I will sell you one of mine cheap. problem solved except mine like to procreate or maybe its something with the water over here.

 

[rams]

zip lock bag of ice water make sure your heater is on. nudge it with the bag till it starts to let loose then pull it off. If it retreats into a hole your ...... Ok no dirty jokes and it works every time. Finally had to get one to move was zapping a leather.

 

[traveller7]

Cutting is not complex, assuming you can get the anemone out of the tank without tearing it apart. Recovery and protecting the other inhabitants requires a bit of planning. A fresh division can irritate quite a few fish and other tank critters.

If the anemone can be safely removed, get a new razor, cutting board, and (2) 1/2 gallon containers of tank water. While removing the anemone, let it deflate, and place it on the board. Cut cleanly from mouth straight down through foot and to the edge, turn the board 180 degrees, repeat cut. Place both halves in container 1 for 5-10 mins(very slimy stage). Rinse slime away with the water in container 2. Place back in tank.

Concerns, if your tank is a mixed coral garden, fresh cut anemone is quite an introduction into the tank. Some fish are very irritated by anemone secretions in the tank. New divisions tend to wander quite a bit, if there are corals all over the place, expect a few battles.

fwiw: I tend to cut back feedings on my larger specimens to keep size manageable, shooting for 12" across for BTAs.

Best of luck on which ever path you choose

 

[baxterdawg]

WOW,

Guiness record holder, now that is a great ideal! I did like Ramtheory's idea about the trade in, but the more I think about the record, the more I like it. There could even be separate categories for bubbled tip and non-bubbled tip. I am going to see if I can get it to a 24 inch diameter by May. Do you think they would test for anemone steroids? I wouldn't want to get accused of "juicing" it after I get the record. Maybe there would even be a Congressional investigation. Yeah that's it.

 

[capncapo]

Word on the street is that you can usually slide by with no testing occurring unless it starts to hit a lot of home runs.

 

[StupidsReef]

I say my good man, Let the beast grow!!