What to use to cover intakes -BTA Died

[smaier6]

I wrote earlier in the week about acclimating a brand new BTA. It was received on a rock then began to move around the tank. DC stated make sure you cover you intakes which I thought I had covered turns out did not really understand what that meant. I have my BTA trapped on my PowerHead and then this morning trapped and litteraly sucked away peace by peace by the intake on one of my filters. Therefore, what type of plastic mesh should I use and where should I purchase it? I went to Home Depot but they said I should not put that type of plastic in my tank since they did not know what it was made of and could harm the tank.

Thanks,
Steve

[E.J. Coral]

What type of powerhead? Sponge prefilter is IMO the only 100% safe option! See http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MJ-PREF&Category_Code=Maxijet

Are you sure that the anemone is dead? I have had BTAs come back from what seemed to be complete destruction...

[smaier6]

Hi EJ,
Thank you for the information. I guess I am learning when it comes to Reef. When I woke up it was in the intake. I turned off the Filter and pried the BTA off. There was only one tenicle left and the middle body. Would it survived this way?

[redvipe2010]

It may have survived, hard to tell.

I don't recommend the use of powerheads, but if you must, here are some ideas. Sponge prefilters on powerheads are not 100% safe. I had a BTA get on one and lost a few tenticles once. Luckily I found it soon enough and turned off the PH.


http://www.karensroseanemones.com/coverpowerheads.htm

[E.J. Coral]

smaier6,

For future reference, don't ever pry an entangled anemone .... this will often cause further damage. Just turn off the pump and let the anemone free itself.

redvipe2010,

100% maybe was a bit strong, but when set up correctly and properly maintained I would argue that they can do a pretty good job. Big problem is nitrates and reduction of flow. not to mention how unsightly they are!

[dc]

Bummer, sorry to hear that. I like these because they are black. I just put a hole down the middle and put it up over the intake. Cabletie them on and good to go.

http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/1121/20060419134804/www.drsfostersmith.com/images/Categoryimages/normal/p_18567_32936P.jpg

http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/1121/20060419134804/www.drsfostersmith.com/images/Categoryimages/normal/p_18567_32936P.jpg


The pet store here just uses the filter bag from Tetra. Not as nice looking but effective.


http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/1121/20060831144100/www.drsfostersmith.com/images/Categoryimages/normal/p_519981_19500D.jpg