Reef nutrition

BTA question.

Vento

Vento

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My tank has recently finished. Cycling and I want to get a red BTA. I'm thinking this should one of my first adds so it can find it's sweet spot then I can add other corals around it. So is that a good idea? Or does the tank need to mature some more before introducing a BTA?

Next question is: with my coralife lunar lights 4x65w is it going to be enough light for it?
 
The tank need to mature some more before introducing a BTA. Add cleaner shrimp, some snails, blue-legged hermits first - they are actually very interesting. I'll let the others who have kept BTAs under PCs to comment on your lighting.
 
I am no professional, but
Good thinking about letting the BTA find its happy place before getting any corals. I think the PC's will be fine for the BTA -people don't always need MH. I am assuming your rock work will allow the BTA to mosey upwards towards the light if it does not get enough else where. How large is this tank, and how tall is it?
I suppose it could not hurt to wait and go by the "six month rule," but I don't think it is always entirely necessary (particularly with a BTA) if you know what you are doing. I think water quality is more important than how old a tank is to be truthful. Some will disagree, but I've done it a couple times myself with success. Bear in mind this is not something I'd recommend to someone entirely new to reef keeping. Of course, if you choose to add it sooner than later, then I urge that you really stay on top of water quality and water changes and all that jazz. Also remember to cover the powerheads ... I've seen so many beautiful anemones lost because people forget this. HTH.
 
I've been doing some research on BTA's myself. From what several longer-term (>1 year) BTA keepers have told me, the nem will do OK under PC's; it just won't color up as brightly and vividly as if they were under MH. I can attest to that with the first BTA I kept, it was under PC's for about a year and never colored up beyond a dull greenish brown. I fed it silversides every other night and it split three times while I had it.

If you haven't already, check out Dr. Ron Shimek's article on host anemones: http://www.reefland.com/rho/0505/main4.php

For a stunning example of a successful, long-term (3+ years) nem tank, you should also check out Mona's threads on Reefcentral:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=660686
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1259398
 
Like others said, I would wait for a while before getting an BTA.
Let the tank runs for about a couple more months to see where the condition is going. Usually after it finishes cycling, you'll probably start seeing some green algae/red algae growth which can be a nuisance. After a while things will calm down a bit and that's when you can start putting the BTA. Just my 2 cents.
 
I've had a BTA for 10 years now. IT's first 4 years where under decent PC. It's now under a MH and really colored up :) Hasn't moved in 3 years either, man I love it :)
 
I use fine particulate feeds like Oyster-Feast, Roti-Feast and Arcti-Pods :) Before them, live rotifers. Before that, Golden Pearls. Most anemones don't like large prey items and it can actually be harmful to them (net loss on energy budget). The split for many reasons, being happy and also being stressed
 
I split when I'm stressed :p But that's a different use of the word split :)
 
[quote author=A_Lee link=topic=5753.msg72091#msg72091 date=1230745614]
Also remember to cover the powerheads ... I've seen so many beautiful anemones lost because people forget this. HTH.

[/quote]

not sure what you mean by cover your PH? I got the hydro kor 4.

Gresh, so im not going to get full coloration on the BTA with my PC's but otherwise they should be healthy. Would say it would be wise for the BTA to one of the first adds?
 
I can't say they'll be healthy or do good. I can only say mine did well. I've seen more cases against it then for it. At least with BTA's they show stress quite well and give you ample time to get them a new home if need be :)
 
[quote author=Vento link=topic=5753.msg72171#msg72171 date=1230765663]
[quote author=A_Lee link=topic=5753.msg72091#msg72091 date=1230745614]
Also remember to cover the powerheads ... I've seen so many beautiful anemones lost because people forget this. HTH.

[/quote]



not sure what you mean by cover your PH? I got the hydro kor 4.

Gresh, so im not going to get full coloration on the BTA with my PC's but otherwise they should be healthy. Would say it would be wise for the BTA to one of the first adds?
[/quote]

I'm actually not sure how you would make a Koralia anemone proof unless you put some sort of thin foam (like the one that Vortech pumps comes with) to put over it; though this will reduce flow. Maybe someone can chime in with an opinion or suggestion. But in the end, if you can't cover it, you can't cover it.
The reason for taking this pre caution is that should an anemone is make a trek around your tank finding its happy spot, you don't want the BTA to get sucked into the powerhead ... take jello for instance. Jello in a blender = big mess. Anemones have a similar texture/consistency as jello. And if you let the powerhead would act as your blender, you'll get the picture :) Normally BTA's don't wander onto the walls of a tank unless the lighting is THAT bad, and chances are your BTA won't. I say better safe than sorry. 8)
 
One way of "wandering" is to inflate into a ball and let the current take it around. In that case no matter where your pump is, it'll find it eventually ;)
 
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