How long for rbta to settle?

[ecksreef]

I understand that it will search for a spot that fits it's needs and I need to just be patient. I was wondering how long it will take to stay put if there is a suitable location.
I have 7 month old 120 gal with plenty off nooks and caverns. All parameters within normal limits and steady. Lumintek pro 240 light that maxes out at about 50% blue and 35% white during the day.
Bought a rbta several days ago from an established reefer. It moved around an area of about 6 inches the first few days and looked happy. Then this morning it was attached to the base of a powerhead in the corner so I moved it back. Maybe a few corals looked stung. I put some filter material around that powerhead to protect the nem if it happens again.
Hopefully it finds a happy place.

 

[Irishdolphin]

My experience is that it can take a few weeks for them to really settle.

 

[ecksreef]

So far it liked the spot I placed it. since this morning it hasn't moved in 13 hours

 

[disman_ca]

Yep it takes a few weeks. It almost turns into a game I where is Waldo each morning.

 

[Silvergryphon]

All depends, I have one that only moved about an inch and a half from where I placed it, and I have one that roamed all over the tank for three weeks before finding it's happy spot.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

It may take a couple days or weeks.

 

[ecksreef]

It has stayed put for a day and a half now

 

[ecksreef]

 

[DirtinLa]

Brought mine home from the LFS Friday night and he was attached to a rock...

every time I moved the rock he moved around and hid behind it... so I just let him do it.

NOW he is poking his head out happy as a lark... I hope he stays put!



https://www.dropbox.com/s/njrluwiw91xl106/2014-09-13 14.33.03.jpg?dl=0

 

[disman_ca]

Nice rock layout ecksreef. The nem likes it's perch from what I see.

 

[ecksreef]

It stayed there for the rest of the week. But last night moved to the other side of the tank. I guess there's nothing to do but check everyday to make sure it's not in a powerhead or stinging other coral

 

[likefish]

i have 4 BTA in a 60 cube. i struggle with flow in this tank and have been making adjustments periodically to power heads to find the sweet spot. Every time i tweak the flow one of my BTA wanders.

 

[raythepilot]

I've been keeping BTA for almost 5 years and when they move, that is generally not a good sign. Typically there is something wrong with the water.
When they move they generally go down stream which means that they will head for a power head or some other intake.
What I have discovered is that if you put an air stone with a strong, fine bubble pattern near the spot you want them to be, the will move to it. They will even go in the bubble stream but this will not hurt them.
This will bring even the most nomadic wanderer to where you want but it will not solve the underlying cause for the wondering.

 

[Kaman8]

Bta will walk with a very little change with flow or light, they are very sensitive to that.