Help removing RBTA foot from rock

reefjock · Feb 28, 2014

Hi all,
I started with 1 RBTA in my mixed reef a few years ago. Now I have three and would like to get back down to one. The problem is how do I get the RBTA off my rockwork without harming it or having to move the rockwork. The rocks have been in place for many years and I rather not disturb it. Any tips are appreciated!

dawguy · Feb 28, 2014

if you can get to the foot, it will just take patience to slowly lift the foot off of the liverock without tearing it. There are people that uses their fingernail, I like to use the blunt end of a plastic knife...it lets me get into smaller crevices of the rock to loosen the nem up without getting slimed.

Mine just split as well. Unfortunately for me, he's anchored underneath one of my larger rocks, so I am dreading having to lift up the rock and get him off. Would leave it there, if it wasn't the rock that is creating a cave for my sargassum trigger to sleep at night. The trigger has been just swimming around at night cause he has no place to lock in.

spieszak · Feb 28, 2014

Often you can get them to release on their own by holding a cube of ice NEAR (not touching) the foot, or by pointing a power head at pretty much directly at them. Make them not like the spot they are in, and catch them when they try to move on their own.
Fingernails and the like work, but I've always been afraid to tear the foot.

Herefishyfishy · Feb 28, 2014

I usually just wait until one or more had moved onto a spot easy to get at.
Another approach is swap similar rock with the buyer.

Terrance · Feb 28, 2014

blast a strong powerhead directly at the anemone in hopes for it to move or release itself from the rock.

reefjock · Mar 1, 2014

Thanks for the tips! The icecube idea is interesting. I'll probably have to give that a try. Before I do anything I'll need to find it a new home.

lmannan · Mar 1, 2014

I have used the ice cube method but make sure you freeze one with rodi water just to not risk any algae. Once it lets go a little bit you can usually slowly use your finger to pull it free, but not to much at a time.