RBTA coloration

[trcons]

I have never owned a rbta but I am considering picking one up from a local reefer. This particular one is a clone of one which is more brown than red. Is the coloration any indication of health? It is not bleached in my opinion, just not the vivid red that I have seen in some others.

Tom

 

[Mavrk]

Some of that has to do with lighting and food (and possibly flow). The rest is genetic. As long as it is not bleached, the coloring is not a good indicator unless you are refering to a change in color. RBTAs come in a lot of shades. Most GBTA are more brown. But again this is just a color morph of the same species. There have even been times when a GBTA became a RBTA after expelling its zoothanthellae and gaining some from neighboring RBTAs (and vice-versa).

Hope that helps. Others may be able to speak with more authority on this, but that is my understanding.

 

[Mavrk]

Forgot to add that the best indicator of a sick anemone (besides bleaching) is a gaping (open) mouth.

BTW, if you can post a picture we can let you know if it looks healthy.

 

[trcons]

Thanks for the quick reply. So for the most part if the thing is brownish in the tank its in, it will stay brownish in my tank even if I have stronger lighting? (actually the same lighting but shallower tank)

 

[kretzkiller]

here is a picture of my RBTA. I would hold out for a more colorful one. Also, to reiterate what has been said...If you are not concerned with color, make sure the mouth looks tight. I would make sure it is healthy or your could have a ticking time bomb going to your tank..

 

[Neogenocide]

Depending on what the price is, it may be worth while to pick it up before plunking down the dough for a premium specimen. For instance, I just picked up a small GBTA clone for $10. His color isn't great, but one can always hope and it gives me practice on a fairly inexpensive nem. Plus it will be fun to watch it grow out. It's amazing how much it's changed from the point when I put him in the tank last Sunday, 4 to 5 days depending on how your count it, till now.

Scott

 

[trcons]

Neogenocide,

Thats was my line of thinking. Its available, healthy, and within a few miles of my tank. I figured that I am more likely to be successful with that, rather than shipping one.

p.s. I see you are in Findlay, I am sitting in Toledo for the day. Any shops around here that would have the apex or Reefkeeper elite in stock?

Tom

 

[Neogenocide]

You could try Tropical Reef. Good store, owner knows his stuff, but as far as hardware, I'm just not sure. I don't get up there a lot. My sister buys with him exclusively though. There is another store in Perrysburg, however I and others I know boycott that store, I absolutely refuse to buy there. I can't even remember the name now.

Tropical Reef
1007 S. McCord Suite 12.
Holland, OH 43528
419-865-7258


Scott


***Edit*** I just looked at your profile and saw your a pilot. Tropical Reef isn't that far from the Toledo Airport if that is where your at.

 

[trcons]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll give them a call.

 

[Mavrk]

Neogenocide,

Thats was my line of thinking. Its available, healthy, and within a few miles of my tank. I figured that I am more likely to be successful with that, rather than shipping one.

p.s. I see you are in Findlay, I am sitting in Toledo for the day. Any shops around here that would have the apex or Reefkeeper elite in stock?

Tom

As long as you are getting a decent price, I say it should be fine. Just make sure if you are paying extra for an RBTA that it is not really a GBTA.

BTW, in terms of lights, even if it is the same lights, the bulb choice can make a difference in coloring. What are you running?

 

[trcons]

I'm running a Geisemann 14.5 K MEGACHROME coral 250w and 2x24w powerchrome actinic.

I believe he is running the Phoeinx 14k but again his tank is deeper than mine.