Anemone behavior and feeding

[catfisher]

Is it true that I don't need to feed my BTA since I have a clown that lives in it? If not how should I go about feeding him. On a different note, I did a water change last night for first time since getting my BTA and he quickly shriveled up and looked like he was dying. The clown even seemed to be freaking out over the BTA's condition. I was happy to see this morning that he was pretty much back to normal but some of his tentacles are still not as plump as they usually are. Whats going on?

 

[traveller7]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

No it is not true, please feed it at least once a week with a meat fish/shrimp based food approx 1cmx1cm in size. 3x a week is better for growth or sustainment in a bleached or under lit specimen. Some clowns even steal food from their hosts. (some folks with heavily lit and heavily fed tanks need to feed their anemones less, but that is not the norm)

Changes in specific gravity, pH, etc., will frequently cause the anemone to expel water and intake water to match the surroundings. In addition, some exhibit the behavior at night, expelling waste, etc.

Cheers.

 

[nickterp]

Agree with traveller7.

You should read this FAQ page on anemone feeding:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/btafdgfaqs.htm

And then read all the other FAQ's on BTA's. Definitely do alot of reading as these guys are pretty complicated to keep.

I think its definitely normal for the BTA to react to alot of things. Be careful when doing water changes that the water is of good water quality (not tap water).