Upgrading to Metal Halide

[FishHick]

I just purchased the 150W 14, 000K Sunpod for my Aquapod. My ultimate goal is to have a BTA for my clowns. I have a few questions.

1.) Do I need to supplement the MH with actinics?

2.) I am not adding any supplements to my tank now. What do I need to add for the BTA, and what should I test the water for. I am just doing the basics now-Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, and ammonia.

3.) My tank is about 10 months old with about 30 lbs of live rock. My water parameters have been great since I started it. It will be at least another month before I am ready for the BTA. Does it sound like my tank will be ready?

Thanks all for your help. I cant wait until my new lights get here!

 

[cartouche]

Hick

Actinics usually come with the MH pendant, whether their actually needed is something i'm not sure about, I think they are really only there to bring out a better blue tint. I have a lot of flurescent greens & blues, with a rather fetching Green BTA, the actincs really bring the colour out.

Those water tests seem fine for now, you could go mad and do calcium, phosphates etc etc but what your doing atm should suffice. Just make sure you feed any BTA, mine has chunk of cockle twice a week.

I say your tank will be ready, however, guard any filter inlets any anywhere where a BTA might get sucked up. It may wander at first (probably will) until he finds his ideal spot.. this may include hiding at the back for a week or two until he settles. Never think 'Oh he won't go near that'(filter inlet) coz you can bet your life he will-and probably overnight when your blissfully unaware.

Also, if you havn't got clowns yet, or prefferably a pair, try to purchase them with a BTA otherwise there is no guarantee they will be compatable.. there is a bit of pot luck involved, I had 3 attempts before mine were happy.

And last but not least, always name your BTA, just so they feel at home...ours is called Barry.

 

[szwab]

first sounds like you are but do a lot of reading and reasearch
IMO you do not need to suppliment with actinics unless you like the looks. The 150 should provide plenty of par in your tank for the anemone. Silversides are alos good food. Might even be the same as a cockle (since i don't know what that is )
--good advise on the inlets powerheads as well

I do not name my inhabitants as that seems to be a death sentance in my tank :lol:

 

[jnguyen4007]

OK, as a newbie, I have to ask. What is BTA?

James

 

[drummereef]

Bubble Tip Anemone

 

[michaeldaly]

That bubble tip anemone is going to take over your tank if its the 24g as they grow rather big.

Other than that, your lights are fine, you do not have to supplement.