Preparing a 30g tank for BTA

[hessfish]

It's about 2 months. I actully just replaced the live rock the old stuff was essentially solid (no holes). A freiend gave it to me. So what would be the best way to seed? And how long do you think it would take
Huge hole in my research I guess=(

 

[2Addicted]

Get a piece of established live rock and put it in there it will take a while for all of it to become as nice as the piece that you are seeding it with.

 

[garygb]

When you do eventually add your BTAs, you will want to cover the powerhead intakes with sponge or screen to prevent sucking a wandering anemone in. I'm sure that a BTA will find a suitable cave to attach with your rocks.

 

[TheCoralFarmer]

With a nem in a small 30 gallon I would make sure the pump intakes are covered and make sure you are prepared to just keep an anemone cause u wont have room for anything else. good luck

 

[bues0022]

You will have room for other things in the tank when the anemone is small. However, if you plan on keeping only this tank for the next 5+ years, and feed heavily, your BTA could end up nearly 20" across. Even still, with good planning, you should be able to keep the ned and other corals happy for some time.

Is this your first SW tank? First attempt at a nem?

The reason I ask, is because it seems like it's a first for both, and in that case I'd recommend you be patient and wait until at least the end of Feb. before getting your nem in there. Earlier would technically be possible, but without experience you might not catch the subtle signs of deteriorating health until it's too late, and we (and you) wouldn't want that.

Setup otherwise looks good. What temp color are your bulbs? brand and color? IMO actinic T5 bulbs aren't very useful. You can get nearly identical colors from the AquaBlue Plus, but they pack considerably more PAR. The KZ Fiji Purple is my favorite bulb (though I think ATI might also make a purple bulb now too?). It really makes the reds POP - so think about that if you end up with an RBTA.

Are you going to be running a sump? If so, you wouldn't necessarily need a protein skimmer if your bioload is on the lighter side and you perform routine water changes. In that case, load up your sump with Cheato to help remove nutrients. A skimmer is definitely recommended though - helps keep everything in check between water changes.

Good luck! Glad to see you researching diligently in advance - you'll soon be an expert!

 

[hessfish]

Setup otherwise looks good. What temp color are your bulbs? brand and color? IMO actinic T5 bulbs aren't very useful. You can get nearly identical colors from the AquaBlue Plus, but they pack considerably more PAR. The KZ Fiji Purple is my favorite bulb (though I think ATI might also make a purple bulb now too?). It really makes the reds POP - so think about that if you end up with an RBTA.

Are you going to be running a sump? If so, you wouldn't necessarily need a protein skimmer if your bioload is on the lighter side and you perform routine water changes. In that case, load up your sump with Cheato to help remove nutrients. A skimmer is definitely recommended though - helps keep everything in check between water changes.

Good luck! Glad to see you researching diligently in advance - you'll soon be an expert!

okay well the lamp is aquatic life t5 HO fixture. bulbs are 2x 10k day and 2x blue 4 leds. I'm thinking about going to buy some 12k day light bulbs and maybe a different color for the other set. Any other recommendations for bulbs? links would be great

I have a 10g sump that i might upgrade to 20g. This tank is still relatively new so i haven't set up the refugium, but i have a clump of caulerpa (which i dont particularly like)