Traveling BTA

[Slurpeeatwork]

Hello all!

I have a beautiful green BTA that I purchased about 2 weeks ago from my local fish store (now out of business). I have a 55 gal (48" long) with VHOs that run from 2pm - 8pm and the water parameters are within the normal range. When the lights are out the BTA moves to the front of the LR (1/2 way up) and it fully open. After the lights come on in the afternoon it tends to move behind the LR in the dark. I don't have any powerheads in the tank, but I do have 2 HOB filters that circulate 90+ GPH each. I turned one off and left the other to creat current for the yellow gorgonian and pulsating xenia.

Any ideas how long the BTA will actually keep traveling.
Thanks!

 

[Toddrtrex]

[welcome]

It is moving because something isn't making it happy. What are the actually numbers behind your water parameters.

How many VHOs do you have? And what lights was it under at the LFS, did you acclimate it to your lights?

 

[Slurpeeatwork]

I don't recall that last test results. I don't keep a log, although it would be a good idea. The lights at the LFS were minimal. I was not aware of light acclamation. I'm not sure what information on the lights you need except they are VHO lights (48" x 4)

 

[Toddrtrex]

If the lights at the LFS were minimal and you are using 4 VHOs, that is going to be an increase in light. I would suggest putting some window screening b/t the lights and the tank. I have always used 3 layers, and removed a layer each week. Can use egg create to support the window screening. If you have any existing corals they won't be effected by this.

 

[Slurpeeatwork]

I have some plastic screen that is new. I guess I could try and see if that works. The BTA looks so nice when the lights are out, just wish it would stay out.

 

[Slurpeeatwork]

BTA still traveling. It stayed put for 2 days but this mornig I found it attached to the back of the tank at the top. I'm getting new VHO's next week. Hopefully it needs new lights. The lights are about 1 year old.

 

[romsoccer12]

yea thats probably it. gl with your anemone. my GBTA hasnt moved the day i got it and i got it with crappy lights and bad water qualitity lol (LFS talked me into it) its fine now tho

 

[Slurpeeatwork]

I hope to get the replacement VHOs by Wednesday. I am raising the light in the top tank lid. I raised it 4" today to test out the temp change. It was basically a closed top with VHOs. I am going to remake the top hood so the lights are about 8-9" above the water if the water temp comes down. I don't have a lot of money like many people to in this hobby.

Tank setup
55 Gallon
15 Sump w/venturi skimmer
1 overflow box - hang on
2 Aqua Tech 30-60 HOB filters for flow only

50lb (approx.) Live Rock
1" sand bed

Lights are on from 2pm - 8:25 pm

2 Firefish
1 yellow watchmen
1 clown
1 BTA
1 Yellow Gorgian
1 Xenia
2 Zoanthids
12 snails
1 emerald crab

I need a better clean up crew!

 

[Slurpeeatwork]

my BTA is finally staying in place. I'm not happy with the location but it's been in the same place for 2 days now. It's located dead center of the tank but is partially under a ledge. I gave my small pecurla to a friend and just picked up a trio of clowns with a small carpet anemone. The are silly clowns. One clown is more dominate at night and hogs the carpet and the other two are hosting in the green open brain that I picked up a the other day.

 

[psilentchild]

Mine kinda of does the opposite.He stays in one spot but when the lights are on he is out.But when the lights are out he kinda ducks behind my LR.His footing has not moved.Is this normal?

 

[dc]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15256417#post15256417 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Slurpeeatwork
BTA still traveling. It stayed put for 2 days but this mornig I found it attached to the back of the tank at the top. I'm getting new VHO's next week. Hopefully it needs new lights. The lights are about 1 year old.

I would cover that intake with sponge or something. And any other exposed ph's. They tend to get sucked in fairly easy.

My anemone didn't move for 4 years, then it split twice and had to change rocks. Now recently one moved to the opposite side of the tank and the other 3 are in the same spot.

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15268664#post15268664 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psilentchild
Mine kinda of does the opposite.He stays in one spot but when the lights are on he is out.But when the lights are out he kinda ducks behind my LR.His footing has not moved.Is this normal?

Getting smaller when the lights are off is fairly normal. What isn't normal is consistent inflating and deflating when the lights are on.

 

[Slurpeeatwork]

My BTA is always open when the lights are off. I posted a few pics in my gallery of a few items in the tank.