BTA hosting questions

johno4

johno4

New member
I have been out of reefing for a few years and am ready to jump back in. I have a 40 gallon tank and all the equipment already. I used to have a BTA hosting a pair of tomato clowns and really would like to do another BTA. My question is will it host either percula or ocellaris clowns? I seem to be seeing mixed results when I have been doing my research. What are your thoughts or experiences with either hosting in a BTA.

Thank
John
 
Although certainly possible, the odds are against you IMO. As you know, natural hosts are always best. I have had Percs take to BTAs after some time, while I have also had Percs and ocellaris completely ignore multiple RBTA clones all over the tank for months only to take to a natural host (h. Magnifica) minutes after introduction.

If you want the best shot at getting the BTA to host, go with tomatoes, maroons or clarkis.
 
Thats what I figured, it would be hit or miss and most likely miss. Thats why did tomatoes in the past. Unfortunatly, my kids who are 5 and 7 associate "clownfish" with nemo, hence the desire for perc or oc clowns. I have seen instances where people had either (perc/oc) host BTA so I thought I would inquire a bit. I would like the clowns to host in the nem rather than appease the kids with "Nemo" so I will probably go tomatoe or clarki when I get this project rolling.

I dont think an H. magnifica would be a good fit for a 40g tank with t5 lighting.
 
I've had alot of ocellaris pairs and every one of them have hosted in BTA's within the first two weeks. That is not too say your experience will differ.
 
johno4 said:
Thats what I figured, it would be hit or miss and most likely miss. Thats why did tomatoes in the past. Unfortunatly, my kids who are 5 and 7 associate "clownfish" with nemo, hence the desire for perc or oc clowns. I have seen instances where people had either (perc/oc) host BTA so I thought I would inquire a bit. I would like the clowns to host in the nem rather than appease the kids with "Nemo" so I will probably go tomatoe or clarki when I get this project rolling.

I dont think an H. magnifica would be a good fit for a 40g tank with t5 lighting.
Click to expand...

You could always go with maroons - different genus but have that "nemo-ish" look about them. BTAs are their only natural host.
 
I've had 8 tank bred ocellaris clowns and all of they accepted a BTA as a host. So from my experience 8 for 8 seems pretty good odds; so, I would definitely recommend A BTA as a host.
When I posted this question here, only one person said they actually have ocellaris clowns in a tank with BTA's for over a year with out them accepting the nem.
 
Many a poster, as my experience confirms, has reported their percs and occs ignoring BTAs. Yes, it happens, but it is far from guaranteed. Best shot will always be to pair natural hosts.
 
I've had two sets of Occs. One set took to a BBA and one set didn't.

The ones that didnt never even seemed to notice the BTA in the tank.....

The other set shocked me and took to the BTA during the first weekend.
\
 
I don't think anybody doubts that having a natural host increases the odds that hosting will occur but it seems like the uncertainty is in relation to what are the odds if you don't have a natural host versus what are the odds if you do have a natural host

Put another way, how much do the odds improve by having a natural host?
 
Its theses mixed results that are leaving me unsure as to which route to go. Do you think it has anything to do with TR/TB versus WC?
 
johno4 said:
Its theses mixed results that are leaving me unsure as to which route to go. Do you think it has anything to do with TR/TB versus WC?
Click to expand...

I don't think TR/WC makes a difference. I have had a few clown pairs with bubble tips. My occelaris never associated with the bubble tip and my true percs took almost a year.

On the other hand when I added my clarkii pair, they were in the bubble tip within a few minutes of being in the tank.
 
So many things to consider! You guys are awesome and killing me at the same time...lol. It seems totaly hit or miss
 
ocellaris123 said:
I've had alot of ocellaris pairs and every one of them have hosted in BTA's within the first two weeks. That is not too say your experience will differ.
Click to expand...


Same here. The trick is to know the tricks. Lol I am of course referring to flash light trick, pictures trick, etc but not a big fan of stuffing an anemone with clowns in a small container or bucket for that purpose.
 
addictedreefer said:
Many a poster, as my experience confirms, has reported their percs and occs ignoring BTAs. Yes, it happens, but it is far from guaranteed. Best shot will always be to pair natural hosts.
Click to expand...

Yes natural hosts would give you the best shot, but natural hosts for percula/ocellaris are very difficult to care for.
 
OK if you are worried come see me in NJ. I can sell you a pair that has bonded to a BTA and the BTA as well. PM me and I'll give you the details.
Maybe training clowns is my calling!
 
johno4 said:
Its theses mixed results that are leaving me unsure as to which route to go. Do you think it has anything to do with TR/TB versus WC?
Click to expand...

Bingo! We have a winner.

I have 6 RBTAs. Several host clowns that are not native to them. Several host clowns that are native. Some are wild caught and some tank raised. It took the wild caught a matter of minutes to find an anemone and it took that tank raised a day or two to figure it out.

Buy the clowns you like and see what happens. The speculation based on the limited experience of a small group of hobbyists here is no real indicator of what to expect.
 
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