RBTA question

[MACH5]

Got an RBTA for my small tank about 2 weeks ago. It has attached itself very well to the LR but off and off throughout the day it has been deflated. Sometimes just partially. I am wondering if this is normal adjustment period or something is not right?? Again the foot is solidly attached.

I appreciate any advice.

 

[sfmacguy]

They can do that pretty regularly at first, when they deflate they are usually defecating

 

[MACH5]

Ok thanks. Not seeing anything coming out from it though. How can you tell when is going south for good?? What's a good indicator?

 

[sfmacguy]

When they start looking like a slime ball not inflating at all. That's the sign I noticed before my nem went down hill.

 

[MACH5]

Ok got it. Thanks again! Please anyone else feel free to chime in.

 

[roninmagik1]

what kind of lighting do you use, how often do you change your water?

 

[MACH5]

I use one BoostLED reef lamp (PAR 30) over a 10 gal tank. I have one small tomato clown and run no skimmer. I change my water once every two weeks about 40% volume.

Corals are doing fine.

 

[ssgtgonzo]

How is the flow? IME, mine deflate more regularly when they aren't happy with the amount of flow (too little) I would just turn the rock so that the tentacles were constantly and gentlely waiving...that would lessen the amount of time they would be deflated.

Also, if you are feeding frequently, it will poo more frequently...therefore it will deflate to do so, as sfmacguy stated. Good luck!

 

[MACH5]

Thanks! Have not really started feeding it yet. I will try and give it a bit more flow. I assumed it would position itself in a more favorable spot by itself but maybe I need to help it along?

 

[ssgtgonzo]

I reread some of your questions...i usually can tell when a nem is done when it deflates AND detatches. Or if it starts losing its tentacles (nubs or a hockey puck). But occasional deflation isnt terribly concerning to me. And of course if it disintegrates.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

 

[MACH5]

Thanks gonzo! Still well attached to the LR. Just have not seen it fully inflated in a while and getting concerned. I will try and post pics later.

 

[MACH5]

Ok here is a pic of the nem. It's now been more or less like this for several days. I fed it a little today and it took the food.

 

[ssgtgonzo]

What's the flow like? Mine like to have their tentacles constantly waiving. Me THEORY is that they really need the current to wash away the metabolic wastes, else they are poisoned by their own wastes. Mine do great with more flow.

 

[Kabuto]

Doesn't look real good. I would get full water tests. Is the clown bothering it? Keep feeding it every other day or so if it takes it.

 

[MACH5]

Ok thanks again gonzo! I will try and give it more flow and see what happens.

 

[MACH5]

Doesn't look real good. I would get full water tests. Is the clown bothering it? Keep feeding it every other day or so if it takes it.

Yes I know Kabuto that's why I'm worried. The clown is hosting it and doing it's thing. Not sure if this fact is also making things worse? I will try and keep feeding it. Water params seem to be fine but I will keep testing. All other corals are doing fine.

 

[steelhead77]

As long as it attached to a rock, it will be fine. If it detaches and floats around the tank, then begin to worry. If it is not happy where it is, it will find a place where it is happy. Do not try and move it. They do not need to be actively fed. Just broadcast feed the tank and it will get everything it needs.

Don't sweat it, it'll be fine.