RBTA not attaching...

[MAXreefer]

I received a couple days a beautiful RBTA from Divers Den. Might have been stressed from the shipping but opens up nicely and the mouth is closed.

I put it in an established tank and my parameters are in check.
For some reason the RBTA doesn't want to attach himself to a rock but keeps dwelling on the substrate but is fully open and is eating.
By now of course there some smaller pieces of substrate sticking on the foot.
Could that be the reason it is irritated and prevents it from attaching to a rock?
If so should I try to clean the foot a little or just let it do his thing and will attach some point?

Thanks for any input
Michael

 

[kcooley]

i wouldnt worry about it Mike. does the foot look inflated too, or is it sad looking? i am sure it is just adjusting to your water and possibly your lighting. give it some small peices by where it is sitting and see if it attaches to anything or tries to. maybe just give it another day or two.

 

[bradleym]

+1

The substrate won't stop the anemone from attaching to rock. If it's healthy and happy and safe "don't fix what ain't broke". ;-)

Usually more harm than good comes from trying to teach an anemone how it should act.

 

[garygb]

BTAs want to be attached inside a cave or hole in the rock. I would first make sure all powerhead/power filter intakes are covered. Then I personally would find an appropriate rock and gently hold the anemone so that the pedal disk is in contact with the back of the cave. Usually they will attach within a minute or two of holding them there (gently).

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

BTAs want to be attached inside a cave or hole in the rock. I would first make sure all powerhead/power filter intakes are covered. Then I personally would find an appropriate rock and gently hold the anemone so that the pedal disk is in contact with the back of the cave. Usually they will attach within a minute or two of holding them there (gently).

Agreed. The anemone's tentacles should be slightly sticky when you hold it against the rock.