Tiny RBTA

[dmbnj]

I came across a really small RBTA and couldn't pass it up for $20. But it is really small. It's foot is probably the size of a nickel. I'm worried about where to keep it. Do I try to keep it somewhere safe like a breeder box near enough to the PH, or just plop it down on the LR? It's so small I'm worried it will get blown away by the flow.

 

[shifty51008]

can you post a pic? I have a feeling it may not be a RBTA but a manjo

 

[dmbnj]

I will. Once it's done acclimating. It's closed but the tips that are showing are a fluorescent orange/red. It's from a very reputable LFS.

 

[akitareefer]

I had a rbta the size of my pinky. It had no problem attaching to whatever it needed to. I would monitor as it attaches to live rock. If its stressed and doesn't attach for some weird reason put him in a mesh top container in the tank and let him acclimate.

 

[dmbnj]

Dropped him in the tank on a piece of LR and he attached. We'll see how big he is once he opens, if I can find him tomorrow. Let the roaming games begin.

 

[tatuaje08]

Cover your powerhead(s).

 

[dmbnj]

I have the Hydor Koralia so there's nothing for him to get sucked into. He's moved around a bit to a lower level in the tank. He took some Mystis today. Here's a pic.

 

[shifty51008]

looks like a bleached RBTA but the color will come back. I would still keep an eye on that powerhead they can get sucked into them very easy.

 

[akitareefer]

Looks healthy other than the bleaching. Will color up very nice!

 

[xrayjeeper83]

Looks decent minus the bleach.

I started with one that was that bad if not worse, its coming along very well. Feeding it when and what I feed my predators. Its gaining color and size very quickly.

Good luck, keep your water good and feed it a few times a week and you should be great. Keep us updated

 

[dmbnj]

Ugh, I can't find him now.

 

[MacWilliams]

Is the water all cloudy? Cause if it is he might have gone through a powerhead. If not then he i probably behind some rocks or on the top of the water level in one of the corners.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Also look in your overflows,they have been known to crawl in them.

 

[Ligershark]

+1 for the rock pile theory i had one disappear on me in my rock work and didnt see it come out for 5 months.

 

[xrayjeeper83]

Even if you move all the rocks you may miss it. One that small will be able to get deep into a small hole in your rock if it wants to

 

[dmbnj]

I know it's hiding somewhere, lots of deep crevices in my rock. I just wanted him to pick an accessible location so I can feed him regularly. My condy wanders and usually picks the worst spot. My GBTA is at least considerate and stays in front of the rocks. Oh well, he'll turn up at some point.

 

[dmbnj]

He never left the rock. He must have retreated deep inside the rock. He's out now. Must be feeding time.

 

[xrayjeeper83]

Good to hear

 

[cet98]

He never left the rock. He must have retreated deep inside the rock. He's out now. Must be feeding time.

its likely just acclimating itself to your lighting and water conditions...it will play "hide and seek" until it is in a happy place and by then you should be seeing improvement in it's overall color...heed everyones advise and place some type of foam covers on your PHs before it's too late...

FYI: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2293102

best of luck to you

 

[dmbnj]

Still playing hide and seek. He's found a new rock with larger holes.