BTA dying?

[SeanJ]

My anemone has been shrinking and opening its mouth almost every other day. One day it looks great, the next is shrunk. I know sometimes they do it when they need to get rid of elwaste, but this has been going on every other day.

FYI - parameters are in check and the anemone doesn't move - I was under the impression that if they weren't moving it's because they were happy in that spot. TIA

 

[SeanJ]

Also, there's only one anemone in the 20g tank, and the tank has been running and stable for 7 months. Thought this would be a great time to introduce a nem.

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

I know you said your parameters were in check but can you elaborate. I only ask because people have said they were in check before only to find out that they weren't or weren't checking ALK for example.

How long have you had it?
Do you feed it? If so what?
What lights do you have it under and schedule?

 

[Jason mack]

Following !

 

[PSLReefer]

Do you feed it at all?

 

[SeanJ]

Parameters:

Salinity 1.024
Temp 78
Ph 8.1
Nitrate .5ppm
Alk-- don't have a test kit or Hanna

 

[SeanJ]

Fed it once, misis shrimp, because it's only been two weeks in the tank.

 

[SeanJ]

Didn't want to stress it out or anything. And right now it actually looks very good!

 

[domination2580]

Parameters:

Salinity 1.024
Temp 78
Ph 8.1
Nitrate .5ppm
Alk-- don't have a test kit or Hanna

Alk, cal, and mag are you're more important levels to maintain once tank is up and stable. Your going to want to get those 3 test kits for sure, and a phosphate test kit. Hannah has a handheld photometer that is very accurate.

 

[Reef man 89]

You need a alk test kit like asap that is the most important to keep steady!! IMO I would of got that before a cal or mag test

 

[SeanJ]

Alk, cal, and mag are you're more important levels to maintain once tank is up and stable. Your going to want to get those 3 test kits for sure, and a phosphate test kit. Hannah has a handheld photometer that is very accurate.

What is it called? I've only seen the Hanna checkers (all 3) online.

 

[SeanJ]

You need a alk test kit like asap that is the most important to keep steady!! IMO I would of got that before a cal or mag test

Yes, I'm looking to get one locally as I type. I just didn't know alk was so important, especially since I do weekly water changes. About 15% WC.

 

[jwshiver]

Yes, I'm looking to get one locally as I type. I just didn't know alk was so important, especially since I do weekly water changes. About 15% WC.

I check my Alk every day! It's that important. I use the Hanna checker. Try to check around the same time of day. Alkalinity swings can cause minor to major problems. This is why a lot of reefers stay on top of it and dose accordingly. Some dose manually and some use automatic dosing. You can get by with checking calcium & magnesium once a week. Lots of good information on YouTube by watching BRStv.

 

[SeanJ]

I check my Alk every day! It's that important. I use the Hanna checker. Try to check around the same time of day. Alkalinity swings can cause minor to major problems. This is why a lot of reefers stay on top of it and dose accordingly. Some dose manually and some use automatic dosing. You can get by with checking calcium & magnesium once a week. Lots of good information on YouTube by watching BRStv.

Thanks, I appreciate. I'm actually reading an article I found here at R2R. Very informational, but nothing yet about what to do if alk is too high/low.

 

[Reef man 89]

Thanks, I appreciate. I'm actually reading an article I found here at R2R. Very informational, but nothing yet about what to do if alk is too high/low.

If it's low you can dose or WC to bring it back up if it's to high you just let is lower it self on its own then when you get it to were you want it you maintain that level as close as possible

 

[Reef man 89]

I also use the Hanna alk and po4 checker and love the digital read. Makes life a lot easier but I also once and a while double check with the Red Sea pro alk tester just to make sure there in the same area

 

[madweazl]

I check my Alk every day! It's that important. I use the Hanna checker. Try to check around the same time of day. Alkalinity swings can cause minor to major problems. This is why a lot of reefers stay on top of it and dose accordingly. Some dose manually and some use automatic dosing. You can get by with checking calcium & magnesium once a week. Lots of good information on YouTube by watching BRStv.

Just don't know that I agree with this in regard to anemones. Is there anything of use in this article?

 

[SeanJ]

If it's low you can dose or WC to bring it back up if it's to high you just let is lower it self on its own then when you get it to were you want it you maintain that level as close as possible

And since I'm doing weekly WCs, I thought it would be fine. Thanks!

 

[SeanJ]

I also use the Hanna alk and po4 checker and love the digital read. Makes life a lot easier but I also once and a while double check with the Red Sea pro alk tester just to make sure there in the same area

I'm probably going to go with the Hannah. Thanks!

 

[SeanJ]

Just don't know that I agree with this in regard to anemones. Is there anything of use in this article?

Very good article. This sounds like a great alternative. Although I'm betting it could be something that's 'off' in my water because the guy at my LFS has had this anemone for 3 weeks and i never saw it do this. That's why I ended up buying it.