Removing BTA’s

[Kens Bees]

I’m in a tough spot with three BTAs that need to go. The rock they’re on is not coming out. I can’t get in there with a sponge for the cannon method. I half heartedly tried getting a finger under a foot but they are all wedged up tight into nooks and crannies. It’s not personal, just limited real estate and the three of them take up space.

I’ve read small power heads can help convince them toward another spot. Will a small return pump, like 200 gph, with tubing pointed at a bta foot encourage them to move enough? I could just hang the pump in the tank and rig some 1/2” tubing in place. Id love to get opinions on this or other suggestions.

 

[TPhan]

I used a turkey baster, start at an edge of the foot, keep blasting it while trying to gently lift that edge up with your finger in a rubbing motion and it will eventually come off. The stubborn ones took me 5-10 minutes but it worked everytime without any damage.

 

[Chris.Reef]

I use a small pump and blast the corner of its foot.

 

[dilligaf29]

turkey baster , ice cube, point some flow, corner of credit card under foot , all things that have worked for me

 

[DatReefGuy]

BTA's are so stubborn. I've used a frayed end of a toothpick (use a razorblade to fray) or popsicle stick and it works well. No damage to the foot at all.

 

[GobyWanKenobie]

Ice cubes worked for me, but mine weren't hiding in the rocks.

 

[FishieBusiness]

If you create an environment that they don't like then they will move to a place that they feel better. That said many of the above recommendation will and have worked. I personally like to blast them with high flow. This will encourage them to move to a different location. Hopefully that will make it easier to remove.

 

[Kens Bees]

Thanks all. I’ll be working from home later this week and I’ll try the baster. I just rigged up a Sicce 1.0 with some silicone tubing and 3/8” rodi tube. If I get tired squeezing the baster I’ll get that in near their foot and wait for them to pack up and go.

 

[frank180reef]

Thanks all. I’ll be working from home later this week and I’ll try the baster. I just rigged up a Sicce 1.0 with some silicone tubing and 3/8” rodi tube. If I get tired squeezing the baster I’ll get that in near their foot and wait for them to pack up and go.

I'll trade for them if u get them off

 

[Drichards]

Try at night if there foot puffs up. Slow and steady

 

[JBendel]

If you can shade the BTA with a piece of rock rubble, they will either climb around it or attempt to go over it. If they go over, pull em out. Have found a flat then piece of rubble works best.