Gbta = Huge

[Kigs]

SO. I just got a new GBTA which was small (3'') and cute at the LFS. Now in my tank, HUGE like at least 7'' across, not so cute anymore and just taking up space and space. What's going on? Does this only do this at night? Is it because it's under a stronger light or better water chemistry?

 

[adtravels]

who knows? could even be too little light or dissolved oxygen in the water therfore it is stretching itself to maximise surface area for photosynthesis of zooxanthelle or gas exchange.

they are funny things anemones!

 

[Kigs]

should i place it in high water flow? medium? it's under 70w hqi. which position do you recommend that i start out with?

 

[adtravels]

dont place it let it go where it wants, pretty much guaranteed it will go where you dont want it!

 

[Random Aquarist]

If it is stretching out to get light, feed it a lot more. This is what people do when they quarantine corals, clams, and anemones since most QTs don't have much light.

 

[Kigs]

true. it was under flourscent light in the LFS. it's doing well I think.

Now. How would I convince these stubborn clowns to hose this GBTA instead of their one headed torch.

 

[RokleM]

I hope you didn't buy it just because it was small. BTA's tend to grow pretty rapidly. Even if it was truly 3" now, it would probalby be 7" in a matter of a couple of months.

70w MH HQI is kind of small. What size tank is it in?

 

[Kigs]

24g AP. you guys think it's too small for it?

 

[RokleM]

It should be ok if you keep the water in extremely good condition and do frequent changes.

Do understand though, BTA's grow quickly, and will split, and grow, and split, and grow.... Just like a pet, that little kitty or puppy won't stay that way for long at all.

 

[Kigs]

How often do they split? Could I speed up the process through feeding?

Is it normal for them to shrink up into a ball during night?

I'm one of those stubborn hobbyists that believe in "as less water changes as possible" theory... lol I guess I'm going to start investing more on salt.

 

[o2zen]

Any pictures?

 

[RokleM]

Well, it's a catch 22. You can get them to split by feeding them and making them grow (which apparently isn't what you want).

Many do change shape at night, yes.