Is there any chance for this nem?

[GothFishKeeper]

I traded my 14” bta for some acros because it killed my torch, and i did have one other bta that was significantly smaller but still a good size. I was keeping it so I could give it to my friend once his tank was ready for it, and today was the day for me to give it to him. I was stupid and tried prying it off the rock with feeding tongs. When it finally let go partially the tongs slipped and tore it in half, but not in a clean way. I have it in an acclimation box in my tank now, hoping it can recover so I can still give it to my friend. However I’ve spent week after week now trying to get my nutrients down and I’m finally seeing progress with that, so I really don’t want this thing dying in my tank. Does anyone have input on if this poor guy has a chance of recovering?

 

[KrisReef]

Yes, there is a chance. Is the box in the same system where the nem has been living? I have seen these go through a power head, dicing and slicing and the tiny pieces, and the larger chunks can heal and become clones just like "natural" splits do. I think they probably have a better chance if they stay in their home tank, or if they move into a cleaner, reef system maybe?

They look ok to me, but only time will tell.
If they start to rot, then probably not.

 

[GothFishKeeper]

Yes, there is a chance. Is the box in the same system where the nem has been living? I have seen these go through a power head, dicing and slicing and the tiny pieces, and the larger chunks can heal and become clones just like "natural" splits do. I think they probably have a better chance if they stay in their home tank, or if they move into a cleaner, reef system maybe?

They look ok to me, but only time will tell.
If they start to rot, then probably not.

Thank you for the reassurance, it’s in the same system that it’s been in all this time. There’s not really any flow going into the box though, is that a good thing or would it hinder the healing process?

 

[KrisReef]

Thank you for the reassurance, it’s in the same system that it’s been in all this time. There’s not really any flow going into the box though, is that a good thing or would it hinder the healing process?

I would point a return or a powerhead at the box to try and ensure that the box isn't comepletely stagnant, but obvously you cant really put a pump inside the box without risking more damage to the pieces. Keep an eye on it to see how the nems react. An airstone could also make some movement, but that also comes with salt creep issues....

 

[UncommonSense]

is that a good thing or would it hinder the healing process?

I think BRS covered this way back in their BTA propagation video, actually!

— your incident, and photo reminded me this exists!

 

[GothFishKeeper]

Thank you for the reassurance, it’s in the same system that it’s been in all this time. There’s not really any flow going into the box though, is that a good thing or would it hinder the healing process?

I would point a return or a powerhead at the box to try and ensure that the box isn't comepletely stagnant, but obvously you cant really put a pump inside the box without risking more damage to the pieces. Keep an eye on it to see how the nems react. An airstone could also make some movement, but that also comes with salt creep issues....

I’ll keep an eye on it for sure. Maybe tomorrow I’ll take the top off of it to allow some flow in there without them being directly hit.

 

[GothFishKeeper]

is that a good thing or would it hinder the healing process?

I think BRS covered this way back in their BTA propagation video, actually!

— your incident, and photo reminded me this exists!

If only my accidental cut was as neat and precise as his lol. Thanks for sharing though, I might just have to watch the rest of the propagation series now to make sure I’m doing it right when it comes time to do it at work