RBTA and water parameters

[aprilschutt]

Hi everyone. I just picked up a RBTA about three weeks ago. Everything seems good but I just want to double check that my water is what it would need to continue to be healthy and happy.

Tank is about 14 months old and parameters are as follows:

Salinity 1.024
PH 8
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
Phosphate .25
Alkalinity 8
Calcium 400
Mag 1350

Do these numbers all look ok? Should I work on changing any of them higher or lower?

Also, what do people mean by some corals prefer "dirty" water? Is that referring to a certain parameter?

Lastly, regarding my anemone, how do I get it to feed without my cleaner shrimp stealing all the food (either frozen mysis or Larry's) I place on him. Once I put food on the nem it sticks to it but takes quite awhile (5 min or so) for the food to disappear. I have been just keeping my [gloved] hand around the nem shooing away my shrimp until the food seems to be disappeared. Is this just what I have to do? Also, how is the shrimp not getting stung?

Thanks everyone!

[Brieninsac]

I have a new BTA too. Your water parameters look good, although I shoot for 9 on Kh. I like a little more of a buffer if it drops before I dose.

As for feeding I've been reading it's not necessary, especially for a new BTA. Those who are feeding it are doing so with growth in mind.