GBTA stays in the shade???

[IamBIGGUN]

My GBTA was introduced to my tank 3 days ago. I set it in a pocket of rock midway up in a 90 gal lit by 2 250w 14k and 2 175w 20k MH's hoping it wouldn't need to move far to get comfy. It settled into a crevice right there and hasn't moved the problem is that it is so far into the rock that I can only see about 20 or so of it's tentacles. I seems to be healthy from what little I can see.

I thought they liked and needed light but it is in the shade 100% of the time.

Is this normal or is there a problem waiting for me in the near future?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Toddrtrex]

What sort of lights was it under when you bought it? That is a lot of light for a 90, odds are pretty good that you are going to need to acclimate it to your lights. Window screening works great.

 

[IamBIGGUN]

The other tank inhabitants are used to the lighting I didn't want to shade them. I figured that he had the ability to move to more or less light and the others didn't........maybe that's what he's been staying in the shadows. He'll be able to get to good lighting from where his foot is, so maybe as he aclimates he move into the open.

He came from a LFS and was on the bottom under MH, but I'm not sure of the watts or temp. He was only there for 2 days though.

I was reading an anemone site and they said BTA's can hide for weeks while getting used to their surroundings. I always thought they moved when they are unhappy.

Thanks for the input,
Kevin

 

[Toddrtrex]

The other inhabitants in the tank won't be bothered by using the screening. IMO, using it is the best course of action.

Even though the LFS had it under MH, I would be surprised if it was under as much as you have on your tank.

 

[IamBIGGUN]

Yeah, Plus it was only there for 2 days......so who knows what it was under before that.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[IamBIGGUN]

What about shortening the light period for the 250's?

Kevin

 

[Toddrtrex]

If it had only been there for 2 days, the odds are good that it was just shipped to them -- lots of darkness.

Shortening will be better then nothing, but still say that screening is the best route. I did that with a new LTA (( 3 layers the first week, 2 the next.....)) and none of my SPS or zoas were bothered.

 

[schang9584]

I am having the same problem with my GBTA. the first day he crawled into a tunnel under a ledge and has come out at night then crawled back in when lights come on and everyday he comes out a little more. I think its from the lights unless it looks like crap.....then thats a diff. story.

 

[bgraves]

mine is only a few days old and it just went into the rocks last night also.

 

[PRDubois]

He will come out when he is ready. Needs to get used to tank and lights.