A few questions wrapped up!

[Nate G]

So I have a few questions when it comes to taking care of my tank.

Question 1: I have stopped taking my water in to have it tested and I am going to be doing it from home now. When I read the instructions it gave a lot of different alkalinity levels dependent on what you have in your tank. Most of my coral is soft coral, but I do have one hard coral. I am still learning all the names so forgive me. If you need to know what is in there please ask and I will continue my research to let you know; or take a picture. Anyone with tips would be great.

Question 2: My Rose Bulb Tip Anemone doesn't seem to like eating dead fish. I gave him/her half a small fish yesterday, I was looking at the tank today- as I do everyday- and noticed that he had spit it out. Anyone seen this before and what did you do?

The last time this happened, the next day he ate a live Goby. I don't need to go through that emotional heartbreak again. lol!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tahoe61]

Anywhere between 7.5 and 12 dkh is fine. I run my tank at 8 and I have stony corals, mostly sps.

Try raw shrimp, scallops or fish from the grocery store, 1 tiny piece. Watch for expelled pieces it's not uncommon, but they will rot in the tank and contribute to a decline in water quality. If the Anemone does not want to eat then don't feed it. If you have a modern lighting fixture you really do not need to feed a BTA.

 

[KJ]

Anywhere between 7.5 and 12 dkh is fine. I run my tank at 8 and I have stony corals, mostly sps.

Try raw shrimp, scallops or fish from the grocery store, 1 tiny piece. Watch for expelled pieces it's not uncommon, but they will rot in the tank and contribute to a decline in water quality. If the Anemone does not want to eat then don't feed it. If you have a modern lighting fixture you really do not need to feed a BTA.

A+

 

[Nate G]

Thanks for the info! I have a Current Orbit Marine light. Not sure if that is enough, but it seems to be doing a great job. I just retested the Alkaline and I am currently at 9 dkh.

 

[bobman]

That light is probably not sufficient enough for a rose tip but I could be wrong dont have much experance with that light but have heard they are not very strong.

 

[Tahoe61]

I have heard nothing but bad reviews regarding this lighting fixture and keeping anemones. Perhaps some else with the fixture and successfully keeping BTA long term will chime in.

 

[Nate G]

We have had them for about a month and they both seem to be doing great. My Green Bulb Anemone has almost doubled in size.

 

[saltyphish]

I had that light and everyone is correct. It is not strong enough for nems.

 

[Nate G]

I thought I would do a follow up to this post and show the status of my tank. I know there was some concern for the light, but it appears to be doing good. I appreciate all the advise, and I have started testing my own tank.

I am no graduate yet, so if anyone sees something in the tank that needs help, please let me know. Thanks for the help

 

[Vivid Aquariums Verified Sponsor]

Looking at your aquarium I must say that it looks like it's off to a great start. The corals look happy and open. It is not uncommon for Anemones not to eat sometimes. Testing your own water is much better than taking it into any store. While water testing may not be the most fun part of the hobby it leads to a tank that is healthier & easier to maintain. Stable water chemistry makes this hobby much more enjoyable. Check our our YouTube Channel for lots of helpful videos on reef aquariums and water testing/dosing.

https://www.youtube.com/user/VividAquariums

Dave