Seeking ideas to get RBTA to move.

[sirjohn]

I'm seeking help in moving my RBTA. The RBTA has decided to settle in an area of my 92 gallon corner tank that I would consider lower light, lower flow and almost inaccessible. If it weren't in a spot that was so difficult to feed I would consider just leaving it since it seems happy even if I can't see it. However, I am afraid that I am not getting enough food to it where it is now. While I can get the RBTA to grab a piece of krill or silverside, I can't confirm that it is eating it because I can't see its mouth. One of the maroon clowns may be stealing it for all I know.

Here's a picture of where my RBTA has decided to call home for the last 3 weeks or so. It may look bleached in this picture but it isn't really (not yet anyways); the camera and the difficulties in getting a good shot are to blame.

Lighting is ~400 watts T5, combo of 36" and 24" bulbs spread out evenly over the tank. The anemone is located about halfway up the tank, in the corner, and the lighting above it is not too strong. Flow is provided by 2 Vortechs which are usually set at 1/3 or 1/2 power each. Flow in the back where the anemone is located is probably on the low end of the flow in the tank, although by design there are no dead areas in the tank (notice how much space is left between the overflow and the rock wall in the back--which may be contributing to the problem I know).

I tried pointing a powerhead at it once early on without success, but I am thinking of trying it again.

Any and all other ideas on how to get it to move are welcome and appreciated!

 

[Lance M.]

You could rearrange the rocks, being careful not to hurt the anemone or like you said focusing a powerhead on the anemone or its foot should cause it to move.

Yeah it does look bleached from the picture, it looks like I can see the blue background through it's tentacles.

 

[sirjohn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10918685#post10918685 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lance M.
You could rearrange the rocks, being careful not to hurt the anemone or like you said focusing a powerhead on the anemone or its foot should cause it to move.

Yeah it does look bleached from the picture, it looks like I can see the blue background through it's tentacles.

Thanks Lance for the suggestions. I should have mentioned that there's 120 lbs of live rock in there, big pieces too. Even if I were crazy enough to move it, I'd likely crush the anemone in the process.

I managed to get a better picture of some of the tentacles towards the top, which obviously get more light.

They are not only not bleached, but are exhibiting the classic bubble-shape. The ones on the bottom are not "bubbling-up", as you can see from the pictures, most likely because they are not getting the same amount of light. You would think it would move up 5 inches so all tentacles and the mouth would get the same light... and so I could see it. So frustrating... perhaps I should play for a split :lol: