Maybe true about the params. Nems can be finicky especially in acclimation. Did you an amount of fish that may be still in the tank causing your nh3 spike? I don't think you have to rush to feed until he is settled in more. Some people don't even feed their nems [emoji33]!
Feeding a BTA
- Thread starter Bigtex817
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He does look pale, but that may be from water quality. Once you get that sorted out his color may improve. What kind of lights do you have? Btas like lots of light. He should be moving up in your rockwork towards the light.
Sharvey103
ReefAddicted
I feed mine a thawed silverside every week. It has gotten so larger in 6 months (from size of a quarter to about this size of a fist) that I will have to up the feeding. 
Bigtex817
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Update my BTA has died. He went into hiding and it wasn't the only time it did. But when I moved the rock parts of it came off so I didn't want it to ruin my clown fish and turbo snail, small snails and hermit crabs so I got it out and did about a 25-50% water change. Here were my parameters:
Day 44 29jul
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Calcium 420
Phosphate 0
Kh 11dkh
Ph 7.8-8.0
Salinity 1.024
I was also dosing with Kent marine 2 part dosing system for nano tanks every other day.
Day 44 29jul
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Calcium 420
Phosphate 0
Kh 11dkh
Ph 7.8-8.0
Salinity 1.024
I was also dosing with Kent marine 2 part dosing system for nano tanks every other day.
Lance M.
Active Member
How long has your tank been set up? You still have detectable ammonia. I would not recommend trying again for several months.
From the picture on the first page, the bta was not the healthiest to begin with (appears slightly bleached), but far from the worst. After you have had your water parameters stable for months, you could probably try it again; however, I would recommend searching for an aquacultured bta and/or starting out with a healthy one. I would also say when first introduced, do your best to never touch it/ move it around, just let it wander, while keeping track of it and inspecting its condition. An open rockwork aquascape helps prevent a scenario of it going into the back of the tank or an area that is out of sight and having to move rocks to locate it. Stability is key.
Bigtex817
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My tank has been up for about 48 days and after buying it about 3 weeks ago I found out that I should have waited till my tank was more established. So yeah I know that was a mistake on my part but once I found that out I tried to get him back to health but it didn't work. I thought it was for a little bit bc he was starting to get his color back around his foot and body but not on his tentacles. I tried feeding but he never would eat. He moved around for a little bit but he did find a place he like and would come out fully but then a few days later his and ball up. My next step is to wait and test my water parameters again in a few days from now and eventually do corals before I do a nem again.
Information/education available to you online is unlimited. Educate yourself and you will save yourself a ton of misery (and money ) take it from somebody who knows! This site is a good place to start. Education is priceless in this hobby. Good luck!
