planning on getting a bta

[Baltimore Bryan]

I just set up my first saltwater tank yesterday, with an occelaris clown in it. After it cycles, I plan on adding another small clown to pair up with my current clownfish, an anemone, and some corals. I would like to possibly keep a bta with the clowns. I have found a light that I think would work, but I would like some opinions. here is the light . The tank is 30 gallons and 36" long. Will this be strong enough for the anemone and some soft corals? Also, what have people had success feeding to bta's and how often?
Thanks.

 

[Wakeskater02]

I have had a rbta for a long time. I used to feed mine every week or so. Since it will have a clown fish they may not need to be fed. My other BTA i dont feed at all. You might not be able to pair up the clown fish once one is introduced to the tank. They will probably end up fighting with eachother. Just be careful with that.

Good Luck.

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

The clownfish I have now is still relavtively small, only about 1 1/4" and I plan on adding an even smaller one around an inch or less later, so I know they may fight initially to decide who will be the dominate one, but I hope they will eventually become a pair. I'll keep an eye on them when I add a second one. What do you feed your anemone and does anyone have opinions on the light I was thinking about getting?

 

[dalston]

You would have to wait until your tank has been running at least 6-8 months berfore adding an anemone. Very very touchy creatures that need an established aquarium.

Aslo if you are cycling the tank with the clown in it, you may find the little guy may not make it...

 

[reef321]

if you just set up the tank yesterday, you really shouldn't have a fish in there until it cycles

 

[dalston]

Oh and by the way the light will be fine for a BTA...when the time is ready of course

 

[garygb]

Yeah, plenty of light for a BTA and soft corals. In fact, you might need to acclimate an anemone/corals to that much light, depending on what conditions they are coming from.

As mentioned before, you will want to wait approximately 6 months before adding an anemone.

BTAs eat a variety of foods: silversides, squid, shrimp, krill, to name some of the foods they will accept. Also, some folks feed their Formula VHP (Very High Protein).

I suggest you research BTAs thoroughly before adding one to your tank.

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

The fish is in the tank to provide a small source of ammonia for the nitrification proccess. I monitor levels of ammonia and nitrites everyday to make sure it's not too high, and if it is, I bought some stuff that is supposed to convert ammonia and nitrites into nitrates, and if that doesn't work I have an established tank I can put him in temporarily, but he should be fine. I will wait for a while before I get the bta then (maybe July). Can anyone share what food they give their anemones? Thank you everyone for the advice.

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

garygb,
I didn't see your post before I responded, thanks for telling me what they eat. I have done some research on them, and will continue to do more so I will be ready when the time comes. Thanks.

 

[Lmecher]

I don't think it will be a big issue pairing an ocellaris, they are not usually that agressive. Yours if kept for alone ( can happen in a month) will become female. Make sure you purchase a male. They all start out as male, buy the smallest one you can find out of a community tank then your chance of picking a male will be greater. Just don't add anything until your tank has completed it's cycle. I would have started with a couple hermits not a clownfish, that poor baby, I hope it lives through the stress of it all.