RBTA Growth / Splitting

[reidcrandall]

I now have 5 RBTAs in my tank, and am wondering if there is a way to keep them growing without splitting. Splitting is all well and good, as I can make some cash to fuel the dastardly hobby, but I would like the ones that I keep to grow out a little bit beyond a 3" - 4" span when they are open. Is that all the bigger they will get? Is there something that I can do?

Thanks!

 

[garygb]

Some seem to split when they are smaller than others. It might be partly due to genetics. On the other hand, stress can also be a factor in splitting. If that's the case, then removing whatever the stressors might be should result in larger anemones. Factors like other inhabitant that are irritating them, temp. swings, water that isn't changed frequently, etc. could be stressors for your RBTAs.

 

[Lmecher]

I'm not sure if it is genetics. I have one from my brother. His are very small and split consistantly. Mine grew very large, it took about a year and a half for it to split 1X. Now it has been about 7 months and I have 2 very large anemones. There is got to be the conditions in our tanks that determine how they are reproducing. It has been said by experts that stress is the #1 reason for them splitting especially in multiple divisions. I would look into it further, and try to determine what it is that is stressing them. If you keep coral, especially softies you should be running activated carbon. (you probibly are already) Small roses are very pretty too. Congratulations, there are many people who would love it if they're roses split like yours. : )

 

[reidcrandall]

My params ar pretty steady, but it just occured to me that they split more in the fall and spring. My tank usually does undergo less stable temperatures during those times just because of the ambient temperature changes due to the weather. Perhaps this could be a factor...