BTA is having a bad split. NEED HELP!

[Speeddemon7]

Hey Guys,

I tried looking last night and this morning but I couldnt find any useful info pertaining to my problem. Last night at 10pm my Rose BTA that is 6+" in diameter decided to split. I have 4 BTAs currently in my 100g tank and have experienced splits before in other tanks but not like this. Since about 12am last night till now 3pm in the afternoon no progress has been made. basically my anemone is half split. My logic is based on its location the feet can not pull enough apart to complete the split. Downside is removing the anemone from this location to attempt any kind of manual cut could make things worse off as the foot is normally deep in the rock. What should I do? and is this something that has happen to anyone before? Thanks for the help!!!

Water tested with API test 2 days ago.
Salinity/SG: 1.025
Ph: 8.1
ammonia/nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: slight color 5ppm
phosphate: .25ppm or less

Here's a pic from 12am I can post a picture of current status later as the lights are still off.

 

[igarc009]

Cut it?

 

[Speeddemon7]

Whats the best way to go about cutting it if I cant get to the foot without possibly damaging the anemone? Any ideas how long I would have before it took a turn for the worst, most of my splitting anemones took 4 hours tops.

This is the anemone as of right now.

 

[Pluedke1]

I would leave it. I have had some look close to that and in a couple weeks split into 3. Good luck.

 

[Mattewell]

+1 let it be.

 

[Speeddemon7]

Thanks guys. Just a quick update nothing has changed too much, although I must say that the anemone does look like it is trying to pull apart. It released some dark sludge(poop) last night and alot of it. I blew it off with a turkey baster. It still inflates pretty well it just looks like a huge chunk is missing from it. How long do you think I have before I should risk taking action?

Ill try and get another pic up if progress or regression has occurred when the lights turn on.

 

[Fishypapa]

+1 waiting

Let nature take its course.

 

[GoTRiCe19]

I would cut it. I cut a mag in half before and if that nem is mines i would have no problem helping it along. 1/2 a day to a day without progress is enough for me to get a razor out and slice away. You might lose the nem if you dont play doctor. I say go for it and post some pictures if you do. Good luck.

 

[Speeddemon7]

So after 3 days of no progress I decide to cut the anemone before it got too weak to recover. It seems to be doing great both halves have fluffed up and are attached to the rock. When I removed it I noticed the the foot was mostly split, but the anemone wasnt able to move far enough away from itself to complete the split. This was my first propagation of an anemone so I hope they will make a quick recovery.

I didnt have a razor blade that I trusted so I used a rarely used sharp kitchen knife that I first heated up on the stove to disinfect. After it cooled I got two tubs one for holding water as a recovery tub and the other was to provide a clean cutting surface. I took my time and determined the best cut. In no time at all they were back in the tank attached and well. Fingers crossed.

Thanks to everyone who gave input as it was much appreciated. Here are some pics hope you enjoy them.

 

[Fishypapa]

They look great! I'm sure it must feel better too. Nice job.

 

[GoTRiCe19]

Glad you did it. Just put it back in the tank with some protection from strong current and clownfish. It should be all healed in a week.

 

[worm5406]

Sometimes in life things need to happen to 'help' things along.

Good job. Keep an eye on it and keep updating with pictures so we can help others document what needs to be done at times.