Preparing for a nem - tank-proofing question

[csammis]

My tank has been up for about nine months and I'm confident in its parameter stability (except for strangely high calcium...but that's another thread). I think it's time for my first anemone! I'm thinking a BTA would be ideal for me. I have some questions to make sure my setup is ready for primetime. This may be an ongoing thread for me but I have one question to start:

Powerhead safety. In my DT I have an MP40 which I have a sponge for and two Sicce Voyager 3s which do not have sponges. The Voyagers are well away from the rockwork but my fear is that the anemone would climb up the glass or grow to brush against one and fffffffffft. How would one best guard those powerheads against anemone tentacles? They have very small gaps but I would hate a nasty surprise when I could have helped prevent it.

 

[asudavew]

You have to cover the powerheads some how.

A new anemone can also release its grip (and often do) and float straight to the powerhead.

It's not fun finding an anemone stuck in the powerhead.

Wrap that rascal!

 

[D-Nak]

If you can keep the MP40 on and the other powerheads off for a few days, this will allow the BTA to find a place it likes. Once settled, if happy, it'll most likely stay put. At the point where you're confident that it's not moving around, you can turn on the other powerheads. Assuming the flow pattern isn't completely changed, the nem should (I stress "should and not "will definitely") stay in the same location.

Monitor all activity as BTAs are one of the few nems that detach, inflate until buoyant, and will float around the tank, most often having a nasty run-in with a powerhead.

 

[Sams Reef]

What about LTA's, will they float as well?

 

[csammis]

Thanks for the advice! I've spent the last several days making screens for the Voyagers...not an easy task since they're basically all intake and oddly shaped to boot. I'll post some pics when I get home tonight.

I have another set of questions, this time about QT. I ordered a BTA from Diver's Den yesterday and it'll be here on Thursday. I've seen a lot of people post about how they simply drip acclimate for an hour or so and then put the nem in the display tank. I know opinions are going to vary on this but I have to ask anyway: is that wise? I'm awfully gunshy about putting something straight into my system after having been burned by hitchhikers and pest algae on plugs and even snail shells.

I've seen references to a "wash" prior to putting it in the tank, what is that?

Supposing I do put it in a QT tank: how long, does it need light, and is there any reason to prophylactically medicate with something?

 

[Gibsonnnn]

Would recommend reading this website, contains all the information you need regarding a BTA. Hope this helps!

http://www.karensroseanemones.net

 

[csammis]

Ah ha, I found this thread that pretty much answers my questions: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2474639

Gibsonnnn thank you for the link!