Overfeeding my RBTA anemone?

[skeeter-doc]

Is it possible to overfeed them? I feed my RBTA about 3-4 thawed popcorn shrimp 4-5 days a week, and I figure, as long as it keep taking them, I will keep feeding it. It has grown massive in size, and simply refuses to split, oh well. I have had it for over 2 years now, and it has always seemed fine, so why complain about a good thing, right? Any comments are welcome!

 

[JahReefster]

I've read elsewhere that you can do a massive water change after feeding heavily for a few weeks to stimulate a split, if that's what you want. I believe by "massive" it was 30 to 40 percent, if I remember correctly. Better doublecheck me to be sure before taking the plunge.

 

[Amphiprion]

If it isn't egesting any substantial quantities of food and never seems to react negatively, then most likely, it isn't a problem. Stress could induce a split, but I do not really like creating stressors to begin with.

 

[skeeter-doc]

yes I have been feeding it nicely without any coming back up, so to speak, so I figure it is happy. I also do not so normal water changes, i.e. 30-50% like every 4-6 weeks, and never had a split. That is all just my routine, not wanting to stress it out at all, just what I do, ...

 

[skeeter-doc]

DO you think it is better to feed ALOT like 2 times a week, or a little bit like 3-4 times a week? Any thoughts?

 

[traveller7]

A little 3-4 times is better then larger feedings.

A smaller meal is much less likely to trigger regurgitation.
Much less mess if it does decide to choke it up.

 

[skeeter-doc]

thanks that is a good point, anyone else?

 

[dantodd]

You won't find many folks here who disagree with Scott! I would try some other food too though. I would also try silversides.

 

[skeeter-doc]

yes I hada been giving it silversides for a long time, but I ran out, lol, so now I feed small thawed popcorn shrimp soaked in selcon and it eats them vigorously. I have always heard ppl feeding them silversides, but I always read that BTA's are more crustacean eaters more-so than fish eaters, ...