Looking for an easy way to get RBTA to release

Ratpack

New member
I have a rock in the center of my tank that had a RBTA on it. I love the position and having the nem there. However, it has split twice and now there are three on that rock. It is a rock that is easily removed since it sits on it's own. I would like to remove two of them and share with fellow reefers because the 3 of them are crowding each other. I am afraid they are going to start walking on me. Is there an easy way to get them to release their foothold? I don't want to harm them in anyway.
 
Direct a power head at the foot of the anemone you would like to move, usually it will release in about 30 minutes
 
Take the rock out and hang it upside down over a bucket partially filled with tank water. Let the nem dangle upside down with its tentacled slightly touching the water it'll release its foot on the rock and drop into the bucket. It'll take a few minutes so find something to hold the rock steady.
 
Put some ice in a ziplock bag and hold the ice against the foot, they'll usually start to let go within 30 sec. If that doesn't work then just gently start to carefully lift up the edge of their foot with a thin piece of plastic like a credit card. Once part of the foot starts to come up it'll get easier to pull them off.
 
I may try the ice method. All the other suggestions are good, but since there are 3 there in the same place, those methods may make them all release and I want to keep one of them there.
 
I may try the ice method. All the other suggestions are good, but since there are 3 there in the same place, those methods may make them all release and I want to keep one of them there.


Put a spoon (metal) in the freezer and after about an hour of freezing massage the anemones foot with the spoon.
 
Back
Top