Feeding anemone

[bhotep]

I have had my condylactis anemone now for 2 weeks. It has stayed put, has great colour and has already grown and with its tentacles it is spead out about 10" . It is 24 inches directly under a 150w MH and actinics. I have fed it small pieces of raw shrimp about every 3 days. It would readily eat every day if I fed it, should I? or just every third?

 

[jener8tionx]

I feed my RBTA once a week about 30 mysis shrimp. I have heard that overfeeding can be an issue. With those lights, you can feed lees and still be OK, but over feeding may cause problems.

 

[bhotep]

Thanks, I'll try once a week. Sure is a pleasure feeding it, as all the fish respect its tentacles and stay clear. With my elegance coral I can't feed it without the tang stealing the food from it!

 

[cabowabo]

I would feed at least once per week. In my experience frequent feedings rather than light intensity are what keep them healthy, happy and growing. In my opinion every third day is optimal but they will grow quickly. Notice the difference in growth with less feedings and intense light than with intense light and frequent feedings. The light may help keep them alive, but as we know healthy reef inhabitants GROW! Also if it is moving around in your tank it is hungry. Any time I have feed mine frequently they stay put regardless of light and water motion in that spot.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[tgriffin]

I bought an GBTA from my LFS and they said to feed it one freeze dried krill once a week. Is that enough?

 

[Toddrtrex]

IMO, most people feed their anemones too much and too often. I feed mine every 3-4 weeks, and only a couple pieces of thawed frozen krill. I have been using this schedule for years. Mine oldest current anemone is a 9 year old Haddoni, I also have 3 more and an LTA.

 

[411]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14754271#post14754271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Toddrtrex
IMO, most people feed their anemones too much and too often. I feed mine every 3-4 weeks, and only a couple pieces of thawed frozen krill. I have been using this schedule for years. Mine oldest current anemone is a 9 year old Haddoni, I also have 3 more and an LTA.

i guess that's me. i feed mine every other day. sometime everyday.

 

[bhotep]

When I feed my anemone thawed frozen shrimp, I slice off a small section and peel off the shell and the few small legs that are attached. Should I even bother taking off the shell etc.?

 

[acrouse]

I also agree that you should under feed as opposed to over feeding.

I feed both of my BTA's a 1-2 inch silverside once every three weeks. It must be enough because it split and that was when it was still under PC lighting. I have to say I personally think they look happier since upgrading to T5 lighting--so I think the lighting is every bit as important as food.

 

[Henryreef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14754271#post14754271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Toddrtrex
IMO, most people feed their anemones too much and too often. I feed mine every 3-4 weeks, and only a couple pieces of thawed frozen krill. I have been using this schedule for years. Mine oldest current anemone is a 9 year old Haddoni, I also have 3 more and an LTA.

I think you have a great point. In the wild I don't think they get a large food item every couple of days. I would think they eat much closer to the 3-4 weeks you are suggesting. IMO underfeeding is better than overfeeding (even though I don't think this is underfeeding).