How many here have kept BTAs successfully *long-term* in smaller tanks?

[velvetelvis]

I had sworn off anemones after having a cloned BTA waste away on me last year (now that I know a little more, I think my tank was too new and my lighting was inadequate, and it might not have been that healthy to begin with). But after seeing some RC members' setups, especially in the "show how you clown" thread, I've been tempted to try my hand at anemones again. I'm thinking of eventually getting a locally cloned BTA for my pair of B&W ocellaris (and I realize that they may not host in it ).

But my tank is pretty small--a 34 Solana (set up for a little over 5 months, with a 14K 150W metal halide, a Sapphire nano-skimmer, and 2 Vortech MP10 powerheads). I was hoping to get some feedback from members who have successfully kept BTAs in tanks with a similar volume and footprint for at least a couple of years. I'm not saying that to discriminate against anyone who has a newer anemone setup; I just figure that a longer time span, even if it's just a blink by anemone lifespan standards, might give me a better idea how viable this could be.

 

[dalston]

IMO A cloned BTA will do absolutely fine in a 34 gal, I have kept one for 2+ years in a 29, I just fed very sparingly (once a month if lucky). Over time it may outgrow your system however (have seen some over 15" across). With a good skimmer and water changes, you should be able to keep excess waste from building up due to the nem. As far as lighting goes you look like you have that covered too.

What I would be concerned about in your case would be if your tank is well established, 5 months is very boaderline to being stable enough for the nem. Near perfect params is just a start to successfully keeping anemones but stability is key.

 

[Coral Hind]

I have kept a BTA in a 5g on my desk at work for three years without any issues. It splits about once every three months and the clones go home to my 75g. I say give it another try.

 

[SPARTAN VI]

I've had my RBTA(/s) for over 2 years in a 24g nanocube. Currently I have 3 RBTAs, but have had up to 4. It keeps splitting every few months.

 

[BigandUgly]

I have kept a BTA in a 5g on my desk at work for three years without any issues. It splits about once every three months and the clones go home to my 75g. I say give it another try.

wow. I wouldn't have thought that was possible. Everything I read says to go much bigger. Very impressive. You must really keep great care of your 5 gallon. I'd love to see some pictures.

 

[iamborg]

I used to have 1 RBTA in my 12G CAD. It has since splitted. Now I have 2.
They dont move around at all. I am using LED and only feed them like once a month.
I got the RBTA in May 2009. Now the RBTA is hosting 2 true percs that has been
in my thank for close to 10 months. My tank is a 1 year old tank. Also I change my
30% of my water every week.

 

[rbnice1]

Whats long term to you?

I have had 1 in my kids 30 gallon bow front with 2 PC lights on it for 2 and a half years.

 

[velvetelvis]

Whats long term to you?

I have had 1 in my kids 30 gallon bow front with 2 PC lights on it for 2 and a half years.

That qualifies for me...like I said in my post, I was looking for a period of a couple of years or so to start with.

Wow, reading these responses has been really inspiring and encouraging. My tank is still pretty new so I want to test my parameters for a few weeks to see how stable they are, but I think I might give it a shot; if not immediately, maybe in another couple of months. Feel free to keep giving me feedback, though--you see so many anemone-tragedy stories on forums (which makes sense, if all is well you're probably not going to comment on it) that it's great to see stories like these. Good work all!