How to move BTA's off rocks?

[dragonet]

I have several rose BTAs in my reef and they split every few months. Is there a way to make them move off the rocks. They manage to attach their feet to the biggest base rocks (2o lbs pieces ) in my system then I can't remove the BTAS to sell them. I have tried piling rocks on top off them ...they just reach further around the rocks. I can't move the base rocks with out breaking corals.

Thank you

 

[Aaron M.]

I've heard that if you put ice in a bag and move it along the foot then it will come off but I don't know if it really works.

 

[gflat65]

Tricky situation. I've always had the luxury of pulling the rocks and chiseling them off. Thought about trying electricity (Frankenstein) once to get the foot to contract quickly, but never tried (of course, that would have to be outside the tank, too). Some said using a powerhead might help blowing at the base, but never worked for me. Once mine started splitting, they liked to move, so I caught them in motion. When they are moving, you can usually work a finger under the foot (gently) and get them to release. Not sure what to tell you on getting them to move, though... I've torn feet before and they recovered fine, but couldn't recommend it.

 

[HippieSmell]

The guy I bought my RBTA from just got a good grip on its foot, got his fingers under it, and wrenched it off. I wouldn't do it that way because it looked pretty violent, but it worked.

 

[OnTheReef]

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