BTA sooner or later?

[GoldenMediaGirl]

I would like to have a BTA with clownfish in my tank. It's not yet set up. I know clownfish don't need to have anemone to host, but I think it's really cool. From what I have read, clownfish are more likely to host a BTA if it is introduced first. But anemone usually need an established tank, And clownfish are recommended as good first inhabitants. Any suggestions on what order and timeframe after cycling would be good to introduce these?

 

[Funston07]

I would like to have a BTA with clownfish in my tank. It's not yet set up. I know clownfish don't need to have anemone to host, but I think it's really cool. From what I have read, clownfish are more likely to host a BTA if it is introduced first. But anemone usually need an established tank, And clownfish are recommended as good first inhabitants. Any suggestions on what order and timeframe after cycling would be good to introduce these?

At least 6 months after cycling to introduce the BTA to have best chance of its survival in a new tank if you start with dry rock.

 

[GoldenMediaGirl]

At least 6 months after cycling to introduce the BTA to have best chance of its survival in a new tank if you start with dry rock.

I was planning on using live.

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

Even with live rock you'll still have to wait for your system to mature. The worst part is that the clowns will probably prefer a powerhead because they're weird lol I'd get the clowns first and the nem when the tank is ready

 

[Funston07]

I was planning on using live.

If your using all live rock I would put a BTA in within 2 months as long as your able to keep your parameters stable during that time.

 

[Mikedawg]

I don't think you really want to think in terms of a particular number of months. Nems need good quality water with stable parameters and that stability over time is the key. Depending on your care, you may reach that point sooner rather than later. Regular measurement of water parameters is required.

Btw, nems host clowns; not the other way around.

Good luck

 

[Mikedawg]

Even with live rock you'll still have to wait for your system to mature. The worst part is that the clowns will probably prefer a powerhead because they're weird lol I'd get the clowns first and the nem when the tank is ready

Ha ha, mine have chosen to buddy up with a goni, and ignore the nem I worked so hard to get to stay in a particular place.

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

Ha ha, mine have chosen to buddy up with a goni, and ignore the nem I worked so hard to get to stay in a particular place.

my little brats love my powerhead instead of the nice rainbow BTA I got for them. At least the sexy shrimp take advantage of the anemone though, I'll take what I can get!

 

[Mikedawg]

my little brats love my powerhead instead of the nice rainbow BTA I got for them. At least the sexy shrimp take advantage of the anemone though, I'll take what I can get!

Hate to admit that in this late stage of my life I am reduced to negotiating with clownfish - I have some Rod's frozen food for a peace offering, lol, and plan to place it by the nem.

 

[James_O]

I would like to have a BTA with clownfish in my tank. It's not yet set up. I know clownfish don't need to have anemone to host, but I think it's really cool. From what I have read, clownfish are more likely to host a BTA if it is introduced first. But anemone usually need an established tank, And clownfish are recommended as good first inhabitants. Any suggestions on what order and timeframe after cycling would be good to introduce these?

I wouldn’t get one until your parameters are stable. The whole “6 months” idea is all based on the average time to get your tank to have stable parameters.

IME, once you get an explosion of coralline algae, you should be good to get a BTA. But here again, it’s all dependent on your parameters.

Make sure not to get anything to expensive to start out with.

Edit: Also, don’t expect your BTA to host your clown immediately. It could take months, weeks, or even years.

 

[Goaway]

I would like to have a BTA with clownfish in my tank. It's not yet set up. I know clownfish don't need to have anemone to host, but I think it's really cool. From what I have read, clownfish are more likely to host a BTA if it is introduced first. But anemone usually need an established tank, And clownfish are recommended as good first inhabitants. Any suggestions on what order and timeframe after cycling would be good to introduce these?

Get a tank raised BTA, buy that one first before the clowns. Give the bta 2 months to adjust to new environment. Watch for signs of illness. If all goes well. Add your clowns.

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

@GoldenMediaGirl as you can probably see, when it comes to anemones you'll get a lot of differing opinions lol ask whether or not you should feed your anemone and just watch the conflicting opinions roll in

 

[Goaway]

Also, if you would like fish before the clowns, gobies are a very kind choice. They are usually friendly and hardy. It doesn't take long to cycle a saltwater tank. There are many ways to kick start it to ready quickly. There are guides all over the place.

 

[Goaway]

@GoldenMediaGirl as you can probably see, when it comes to anemones you'll get a lot of differing opinions lol ask whether or not you should feed your anemone and just watch the conflicting opinions roll in

Yup. Ask a crowd how to cook a stew. All one can do is pick a recipe and go with it.

 

[jt8791]

Definitely wouldn’t rush on getting an anemone until the tank is stable. When you do go for one make sure to get one that was tank raised, wild nems don’t fare so well. If you aren’t going for a natural host between clownfish and anemone don’t expect them to be hosted by it anytime soon, if ever.

Have heard of Ocellaris clowns taking years to ever go near a bta, if at all. My blood orange clowns within a few hours, the female anyways, ended up going back for two more a month later, she wouldn’t share. I wouldn’t worry about special feedings for the nem, they will eat when you feed the fish. Although if you’re feeding frozen and they aren’t hosting a clown send a little their way, if they’re hungry they will grab some. Turkey baster is probably the best tool to have for many uses.

 

[dvgyfresh]

@GoldenMediaGirl as you can probably see, when it comes to anemones you'll get a lot of differing opinions lol ask whether or not you should feed your anemone and just watch the conflicting opinions roll in

I told my lfs I don’t feed my nems and he ridiculed me said I’m starving them lol , compared it to not feeding fish . Like this is why yr store empty

 

[Funston07]

I told my lfs I don’t feed my nems and he ridiculed me said I’m starving them lol , compared it to not feeding fish . Like this is why yr store empty

Nems, well BTAs I'm not sure about all of them, are photosynthetic. Sure they love feedings but they don't need it. Definitely not comparable to not feeding your fish lol

 

[dvgyfresh]

Nems, well BTAs I'm not sure about all of them, are photosynthetic. Sure they love feedings but they don't need it. Definitely not comparable to not feeding your fish lol

I knew there was no reasoning with this man lol, I even mentioned photosynthetic, I’ve actually found more issues feeding nems than not

 

[Jekyl]

I've had clowns for over 3 years and nems for about 2 and 1/2. Wasn't until last month that my multiple anemone finally started hosting them. Your clowns may take to the nems quickly or may never at all.

 

[Jib]

I was planning on using live.

Live rock or Caribsea life rock? I've sen a lot of people confuse the two. Marketing at its finest...