RBTA - Torch growing closer... Should I be worried?

Greybeard · Nov 2, 2021

I've got a green torch coral that's been happily growing under a ledge for several years now. Above, a family of rainbow bubble tip anemones. Started with one small one, I think there's 5 now, and 'small' is no longer a word I'd use to describe them.

Anyway, RBTA's are growing, Torch is growing... if their tips aren't touching at this point, I'd be surprised.

Haven't taken any photos lately, here's an older one... They're much closer together these days. Maybe I'll get a shot, after the lights come on today.

I've not noticed either the nems or the torch showing any negative effects... so far... Just not sure if I should be worried or not.

Just wondering, should I try and move the torch? Hate to do that... He's been happy and growing in that little hole for years. On the other hand, moving the nem colony isn't really an option

Goaway · Nov 2, 2021

It doesn't look like the nems are on assault mode. If anything, maybe redirect water flow if the torch shows sweepers. In your current picture, it just looks very happy. I'd leave it be.

Also, a current pic would be awesome to see!

homer1475 · Nov 2, 2021

While certainly not a torch, or BTA, I have many rock flowers move away from corals when they get stung. Most notably moving away from an elegance.

OrchidMiss · Nov 2, 2021

Greybeard said:
I've got a green torch coral that's been happily growing under a ledge for several years now. Above, a family of rainbow bubble tip anemones. Started with one small one, I think there's 5 now, and 'small' is no longer a word I'd use to describe them.

Anyway, RBTA's are growing, Torch is growing... if their tips aren't touching at this point, I'd be surprised.

Haven't taken any photos lately, here's an older one... They're much closer together these days. Maybe I'll get a shot, after the lights come on today.

I've not noticed either the nems or the torch showing any negative effects... so far... Just not sure if I should be worried or not.

Just wondering, should I try and move the torch? Hate to do that... He's been happy and growing in that little hole for years. On the other hand, moving the nem colony isn't really an option

I don't have any input as far as the safety of the torch, I just wanna say it's GORGEOUS!

Greybeard · Nov 3, 2021

Didn't get the chance until this evening. If the current were blowing the right way, they'd touch.

You can also see my latest RBTA clone, down in the shadows to the left of the torch. I think that's 6 now. I keep hoping one will take off across the sand so I can catch it out and loose, but so far, they stay on that one island. Got a couple people who would love to have one, if I could catch it without injury.

Greybeard · Nov 4, 2021

So... nobody knows if RTBA and Torches are going to start stinging each other?

Reefing102 · Nov 4, 2021

My bta and torch are sitting 2-3 inches from each other with no known Ill effects. I would imagine the BTA would just move it got stung

fishguy242 · Nov 4, 2021

99.9 % nem will back off once stung,99.9% torch will be fine.
if a spot suitable ,move torch, it may be even happier off sand bed.

Greybeard · Nov 4, 2021

Thanks for the feedback!

fishguy242 said:
99.9 % nem will back off once stung,99.9% torch will be fine.
if a spot suitable ,move torch, it may be even happier off sand bed.

This is the _only_ torch I've ever had any luck with. He's been right there, under that ledge, for several years, and has grown to several times his original size. Seems quite happy there, and I don't want to move him if I don't have to.

Eagle_Steve · Nov 4, 2021

Greybeard said:
Didn't get the chance until this evening. If the current were blowing the right way, they'd touch.

You can also see my latest RBTA clone, down in the shadows to the left of the torch. I think that's 6 now. I keep hoping one will take off across the sand so I can catch it out and loose, but so far, they stay on that one island. Got a couple people who would love to have one, if I could catch it without injury.

See this sticky for how to easily get BTAs removed from your tank without hurting them. From experience, torch will run off a BTA if it wants to. I have had them melt BTA tents and then had them live side by side with no issues. Not sure why, but can only guess space being taken that the torch wanted being the issue.

Safe and Easy DIY way to remove Nems

Due to seeing numerous post recently about how to remove anemones and shrooms without hurting them or destroying rock work. I felt like this was in order. First off, a little back story. Years ago, when I lived in Florida and collected aquatic life on a regular basis, we always had issues with...

www.reef2reef.com

LiveFreeAndReef · Nov 4, 2021

Eagle_Steve said:
See this sticky for how to easily get BTAs removed from your tank without hurting them. From experience, torch will run off a BTA if it wants to. I have had them melt BTA tents and then had them live side by side with no issues. Not sure why, but can only guess space being taken that the torch wanted being the issue.

Safe and Easy DIY way to remove Nems

Due to seeing numerous post recently about how to remove anemones and shrooms without hurting them or destroying rock work. I felt like this was in order. First off, a little back story. Years ago, when I lived in Florida and collected aquatic life on a regular basis, we always had issues with...

www.reef2reef.com

fire up the Nem Cannon!