BTA Removal

[bethzb]

Anyone have any suggestions on how to remove 4 perfectly healthy green BTA's from rock without damaging them? I've had it. They are murderous B$##$%%s and I want them out.

 

[Arati]

credit card to carefully peel base of foot off the rock

 

[bethzb]

I can't directly access their "feet". They are nicely dug into the rock. Started with one five years ago but it just keeps splitting and after they've killed my clams, a fair number of mushrooms, my birdsnest, etc.... they've got to go. So does their cinnamon clown. If I can I'll even catch the bicolor psuedochromis so I can have shrimp again. Now I've got 1/3 of a 125 with just anemones.

 

[greybolt03]

Try hitting them with the flow of a powerhead that should piss them off enough to get them to let go of the rock and move

 

[masterswimmer]

Couple of tricks of the trade:

- try directing a powerhead (not too strong, don't want to damage it) on it. Since they move around looking for the ideal spot, having a new flow on them often times causes them to be unhappy with the new parameters and they'll release their hold on the rock.

or....

- Take an ice cube in a plastic baggie and GENTLY rub it on the foot of the BTA. Again, discomfort will cause it to release its grip and you can then re-home him.

HTH
Russ

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

Couple of tricks of the trade:

- try directing a powerhead (not too strong, don't want to damage it) on it. Since they move around looking for the ideal spot, having a new flow on them often times causes them to be unhappy with the new parameters and they'll release their hold on the rock.

or....

- Take an ice cube in a plastic baggie and GENTLY rub it on the foot of the BTA. Again, discomfort will cause it to release its grip and you can then re-home him.

HTH
Russ

+1 I have done this with great success in the past.

 

[garys reef]

+100 ice works great i still have a few rbta that im gonna try the powerhead method this weekend they are dug in like a tick

 

[JBL]

Thats good info to know as I also have 4 I need to get out that started as one!

 

[bethzb]

I'll try both methods this weekend. One is bound to work though it is tempting to keep the cute little one that survived a powerhead debacle.

 

[Aquadicted]

If you guys are donating I would be more than happy to take 1-2

 

[myblock175]

powerhead always works for me. they hate strong flow. put the wave maker directly at them

 

[bigyankfan]

Take a butter knife and put in the freezer for an hour. Start with an edge of the foot and gently pry it off the rock.

 

[bethzb]

If youfeel like traveling you are welcome to them. They are the very basic green variety and never did show bubble tips in my system. Happy and healthy though.