Removing BTA from deep holes in rock?

[hogben]

I read that bringing the rock out of the water and letting the anemone hang partially in the water will make them release... does anyone know how long this might take?

I've got about six BTAs to remove from some rocks and a few are very deep in some rock. I'd rather not break apart the rock so I'm trying the hanging technique.

So far they just look like wet hanging blobs and not showing any signs of moving. Ideas?

 

[hogben]

They're still hanging, but I think they were in too deep of water. I moved the rock over a tall bucket and filled it with water so that only the tentacle tips can reach it.

They really don't want to let go!

 

[Catchoftheday]

I dont know what to say to help you out but i wish you luck . Maybe try ice on the foot if you can reach

 

[celamb89]

try to blast them with some flow to get the to move

 

[hogben]

Well one of them dropped off, the other is still not cooperating. I put them back and I'm trying some others.

 

[hogben]

Update! I've got 2 left to go.

I've used a combination of blasting them with a powerhead, and the hanging method. The hanging seems to either work within minutes or they just hang on forever.

I blast those stubborn ones with a powerhead for a while and if they don't release then back to hanging.

I'm going to rename my tank Guantanamo Bay.

 

[karavak]

I read that hanging them upside down and then tapping the rock with a hammer would get them to move.

 

[hogben]

I read that hanging them upside down and then tapping the rock with a hammer would get them to move.

That's new information thanks! I'll give that a try with these last two.

 

[movado]

Can you use your finger to reach into the rock and rub their base? That might get them to let go.

 

[xtlosx]

Can you use your finger to reach into the rock and rub their base? That might get them to let go.

sounds like something that usually happens between a person and their doctor.. hah.

 

[movado]

Fortunately, I'm not at the age when my doctor needs to do that yet!

sounds like something that usually happens between a person and their doctor.. hah.

 

[hogben]

Can you use your finger to reach into the rock and rub their base? That might get them to let go.

Yeah I've been doing that too. It seems to make them contract but the foot stays firmly planted.

I tried tapping with a hammer earlier while they were hanging. I can't keep it up for 10 minutes my arm starts to get tired holding the rock and hammer up. :lol:

 

[hogben]

The last two finally gave up and I was able to move them!

 

[hogben]

All the anemones are looking good! Clowns are enjoying the new rock scape, but I lost my arabian pseudo fish during the move

 

[soundwave771]

Sorry about the Arabian Pseudo. Could you post some more pics of the tank?

 

[nynikki]

Hogben, using the hanging method, about how long did it take for the nem to drop off? I'm in progress of trying to get some Condies out of my tank, but the one rock this guy is hiding in is covered with all sorts of polyps, mushrooms and other corals so I can't leave it hanging for too long.

 

[hogben]

Hogben, using the hanging method, about how long did it take for the nem to drop off? I'm in progress of trying to get some Condies out of my tank, but the one rock this guy is hiding in is covered with all sorts of polyps, mushrooms and other corals so I can't leave it hanging for too long.

Some dropped within 10 minutes. The last two took about two sessions of a few hours before they finally started to release and even then I had to help them off.

Every one of the anemones survived and still look good.

These BTAs are hardy I don't know enough about condies to say if a few hours out of water is a good idea.

 

[hogben]

Sorry about the Arabian Pseudo. Could you post some more pics of the tank?

I posted some more in a DIY thread:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2018207

I've moved the LTAs and relocated the mangroves because I had to add a mesh screen to keep the new wrasse pair in the tank.