Stubborn Anemone ... Won't Move ...

[skyfireblaze]

Okay, I'm slowly working on removing some of my BTA's from my 37g tank. I've got two small GBTA's that have to be two of the most stubborn anemones ever! I've tried putting ice on their columns and pointing a powerhead (turned down a fair bit) at them, but they're staying put. How can I get them to move so I can remove them from the tank? They both have their feet down into small holes that I can't get into. So far, whenever I've tried to get them to move they just kind of dig in their heels and stay put.

Any suggestions? I eventually gave up and fragged up the liverock that my other two GBTA's were attached to, but I'm not willing to go there with this rock.

Thanks! I'm hoping with your help we can beat these stubborn anemones!

 

[dalilgriffith]

What i can suggest is taking the rock to the surface of the water and bring it out for a second and dunk it a few times... thats what ive done but it can stress the anemone if you do it too much.

 

[dorm_reefer21]

just slowly but firmly apply pressure to the base of their foot, they will loosen their grip and then it is easy from there. as long as you dont force it, you will not injure it.

 

[skyfireblaze]

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried to apply some pressure to the foot of each anemone, but didn't have much success. For the most part, I can't get my fingers down to the foot. Because of the holes that these two anemones found, I just can't get in there. I did apply some pressure to the side of the column, as low as I could, and thought I was making some progress, but the anemone never did release its grip on the rock, even after ~ 20 min.

I'll try again tonight ... You'd think that eventually they'd get the hint and move, right?

Thanks again.

 

[salty316]

Turn the rock over or place it in an undesirable location. Once they start moving they're easy to remove.