Move that BTA!

AllSignsPointToFish · Feb 5, 2016

So, my BTA and Clarkii seem to be getting along fine. Last night, however, the BTA decided to move to a location in the back of the tank where you can't see the anemone or the clownfish, not to mention make it impossible to monitor :(

Does anyone have any suggestions for gently "suggesting" to the anemone that he should pick a better location? If I increase the flow, would that be enough stimulus to get him on the move again?

Chezted · Feb 5, 2016

I had luck one time by shading the area, using black acrylic on the screen top. Took a couple of days but the nem moved around to the front again. Of course until they get truly settled in they are likely to move again. Good luck, I know how frustrating that can be.

AllSignsPointToFish · Feb 5, 2016

hmmm. that's a good idea. I think I'll try that!

Goldenvue · Feb 6, 2016

I think your flow idea might work also

Chezted · Feb 12, 2016

Funny thing happened after I posted my response, my BTA decided to move to the back of the tank! Well, I tried the shadow trick again, and it worked again! If it will just stay there. Hope it works for you.

MikeyAl · Feb 12, 2016

Give it a shot.

AllSignsPointToFish · Feb 13, 2016

I'm trying the shade method. We'll see what happens. So far, the BTA seems to be enjoying the lower light. Lol.

I've turned the Kessils down...maybe the problem was too much light?

Chezted · Feb 13, 2016

Could be,what level are you running your kessils? I have mine ramping up to about 60%. My BTA did not like being shaded, it showed it by not expanding as much. Got to tell you I used a white plastic sheet this time and it was really in the dark. I have kept the shade in place to discourage him from moving back.

AllSignsPointToFish · Feb 13, 2016

Depends, but I run them pretty high at times. Mine ramp up to 80-90%. He didn't seem to mind that at first, but then he decided to move.

Chezted · Feb 13, 2016

Is the rest of the tank happy? Messing with the lighting might be hard on others in the tank. Why not shade the backside really dark? If you really make it dark I bet he will move. I am two out of two. If he moves he will most likely find a ledge or something lower in the tank that works for him.

AllSignsPointToFish · Feb 13, 2016

Chezted said:
Is the rest of the tank happy? Messing with the lighting might be hard on others in the tank. Why not shade the backside really dark? If you really make it dark I bet he will move. I am two out of two. If he moves he will most likely find a ledge or something lower in the tank that works for him.

The rest of the tank is doing just fine. I've already shaded the part of the tank where the anemone is located. The anemone is already at the bottom of the tank with his foot in the rock near the sand line.