How long to wait for RBTA?

[Troio2]

I have a 90 gallon with pretty much perfect water quality. Right now I have a CUC, pair of clowns and fairy wrasse along with some zoas. Have 4 T5 lights. Want to pair the anemone with the clowns, how long do you think I should wait to add it? About 3-4 months in now

 

[Anemone12]

I would say 5 months should be good. Most peope say 6-12 months but I think those people just want to be careful. I added some at 3months (not recommended) to my pico and they are still alive today. What are your water parameters?

 

[Troio2]

No nitrates, nitrite or ammonia. Ph about 8-8.2. Between 78-80 degrees. Those are the only 4 in the test kit I have

 

[Troio2]

And salinity is .026

 

[addictedreefer]

You need to be testing alk and calcium regularly as well. If those parameters (especially alkalinity) are stable for 3-4 weeks then I would say you can give it a try.

 

[Troio2]

Ok, guess I'll pick up another kit. Any particular one I should be looking for?

 

[Anemone12]

Ok, guess I'll pick up another kit. Any particular one I should be looking for?

Red Sea is good for cal and alk.

 

[Troio2]

I ordered a kit so I'll let you know how the water pans out once I receive it. Do you think RBTA would be the best way to go to pair clowns for a new reefer? I know theres a few different types of anemones that can be paired.

 

[addictedreefer]

Depends on what kind of clowns you want. What did you have in mind?

 

[Troio2]

I already have a pair of saddlebacks

 

[Troio2]

err.. ocellarus

 

[Troio2]

I just tested. Calcium is app 400, Alk app 2.50, KH 7.

 

[addictedreefer]

Good. Now test every 3-4 days for the next 3-4 weeks to make sure those numbers are steady. Would also like to see that alk just a bit higher.

 

[Troio2]

ok, I have never dosed anything before. Assuming I need to start looking into dosing Alk? My buddy told me not to worry about calcium until I get more corals in there using it.

 

[santanzchild]

bulkreefsupply has an awesome calculator for dosing alk and ca to what ever level you want.

 

[Troio2]

Thanks I'll check it out

 

[Anemone12]

ok, I have never dosed anything before. Assuming I need to start looking into dosing Alk? My buddy told me not to worry about calcium until I get more corals in there using it.

Don't need to dose calcium until until you get into sps and a lot of it. I have a 120gallon stocked with corals and I don't dose. It's really not necicary until you get into sps and even that won't need sps. Most peiple just do water changes to replace the calcium.

 

[Troio2]

I'm not even planning on getting into sps really. Want to keep it pretty easy, at least initially.

 

[Anemone12]

I'm not even planning on getting into sps really. Want to keep it pretty easy, at least initially.

Then you probably won't need to dose.

 

[Troio2]

I picked one up. Water quality still the same. He hasn't opened all the way up yet. Got him to eat a piece of shrimp. Seems to be good so far