RBTA Issues

[Jgoal55]

I've had quite a few anemones in my reefing years, but never had one die on me or do poorly.

For the last week or so, my RBTA, which usually stretches around 6-8" to come out into the light, has receded into a shady cave and looks withered and "depressed."

That I can tell, there haven't been any major changes in the tank since it started happening. A few days before I added some new SPS pieces but all were dipped and rinsed. Water params are near "perfect." Flow has remained constant and in the same place.

A few months ago it began hosting my clowns, but had been doing great the whole time since, so don't think that's the issue.

Are there other things I should be looking out for? Is this normal RBTA behavior from time to time?

The clowns are still calling it home, but they are not as into it as before (pun intended).

Thanks for the help.

 

[Nanron]

I also have RBTA's for many years now. They have at times done the same thing. Whenever the clown fish are ready to spawn, the fish will manipulate them to move slightly or withdraw so they can tend to their eggs. It also may be splitting.

 

[knukles55]

I'm not saying this is the problem at all but I see alot of people over look it when there testing water trying to figure out issues. Check for stray voltage in the water just to rule that out.

 

[NANoUf]

I have actually been having a similar problem. I have two different tanks, one with a RBTA and one with a green bubble tip. Everything else in the tanks is completely fine. The red bubble tip stayed closed for a few days and now , I agree is also "depressed." Do you also use NSW? I feel every once in awhile something unidentified gets in the NSW which strikes a particular coral ....

 

[Jgoal55]

I'm not saying this is the problem at all but I see alot of people over look it when there testing water trying to figure out issues. Check for stray voltage in the water just to rule that out.

Funny because I was actually going crazy testing for stray voltage when I first began with this tank. Finally found the culprit and removed the pump from the aquarium. Since then, everything has done way better including corals.

I don't use NSW particularly for that reason. While I know many people use it with success, the very fact that it's not consistent would drive me crazy always thinking that may be the issue. IMO, the more variables we can control in this hobby, the better.

Nanron, hope you're right - that's one of my favorite things to see in an aquarium. I've had it happen before, but never in an RBTA. How long would this last?

 

[urbanrat84]

I tend to interfere if my BTA's are doing anything that could kill them. In your case I would turn the rock over so the BTA is back in the light and make sure that it is getting medium flow. It should respond by reinflating itself in 1 or 2 days, otherwise something is wrong.

 

[Jgoal55]

yup...something wrong for sure cuz it didn't make it.

But something is off with my whole tank now. Corals not doing well. Doing water changes to see if I can get it back on track.

Sad about the RBTA....my clowns had finally hosted after 2 yrs.