Too much light for BTA?

[Robert M]

I recently added a BTA to my 90 FOWLR. A week after adding him, I changed my bulbs in my 4x65w PC fixture. Before I changed the bulbs, I had two Actinic 420 bulbs and 2 Dual Daylight bulbs (6700/10000k). I changed to 4x 10000k/460nm bulbs. I like the bright white/blue look better than the old combo but it seems the BTA is not as pleased. The old bulbs were in need of replacement due to age. The lights are on about 11 hours a day. Since the change, I've noticed the BTA has moved down further into the LR and has part of him out the one hole and the other part out another hole. He is open completely and hosting my clown at night but shortly after the lights come on, he retreats. I noticed he was tucked under a shelf in his tank at the LFS when I bought him. Is it possible he just prefers less light? He seems to eat fine and seems well otherwise. I've also noticed some of the coralline algea towards the top of the tank has bleached a bit since using the new lights. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Rai]

Maybe it needs light acclimation. It was probably scared of sudden light change. I think it will be fine. I don't know about bleached coralline algae tho.

 

[Robert M]

I could be wrong about the coralline but it's seems to have white banding around the purple, where it didn't before. Some spots are completely white. Including one of the hermit crabs shells.

 

[Ztrain]

Possibly double check your phosphates. I've heard that higher phosphates can produce a photo allergy type reaction in anemones and can definitely inhibit coraline growth.

 

[Robert M]

I checked all parameters and everything seems perfect. I've never had a spike in anything in this tank. He seems fine still but has moved lower in the piece of LR. This particular rock has a bunch of tunnels through it that used to host my zebra dartfish until the nem pushed him out. The nem tunnelled through, just as the dart did. In one and out another. He now has about 40% of his body sticking out of a lower orifice in this rock. Seems happy but I wish he would come out more for my viewing pleasure

I'm glad my clown took to the nem so fast but I can't get a pic... As soon as I walk in the room, the clown is at the top of the tank looking for food. Oh well.

 

[Gmerek2]

he's acclimating to the light himself. If he's getting some light that's great and there will be no problems. Leave it do is thing and it will be fine. The only minor concern is that sometimes a clown can beat up on a small nem.

 

[Robert M]

Thanks Gmerek. Its a fairly large nem. At least 6" in diameter (that's what he was in the bag from the LFS). I've seen him stretch well beyond that though.

I get he's doing his thing, I would just like to see him out in full view. Maybe he will eventually.