G4546
New member
+1 :thumbsup:
Silversides.
- Thread starter kegogut
- Start date
+1 :thumbsup:
kegogut
Active member
The reason I started this thread wasnt to argue for the use of silversides. It was to understand why people did not use them.
Theres some really good points here. Im glad Im getting alot of responses. It helps me decide NOT to feed the nems silversides anymore after I use the rest of the ones I have now. Ive used 1/2 the pack so the ones I have arent bad I dont think.
So I guess it will be off to the fishmonger after the silversides are gone.
Theres some really good points here. Im glad Im getting alot of responses. It helps me decide NOT to feed the nems silversides anymore after I use the rest of the ones I have now. Ive used 1/2 the pack so the ones I have arent bad I dont think.
So I guess it will be off to the fishmonger after the silversides are gone.
bues0022
New member
I wouldn't wait that long to get fresh fish. First, your nem doesnt need to eat everyday. But, more importantly, would you finish up a gallon of milk 'because you have it' if it was more than likely spoiled? Silversides aren't so expensive that you should be concerned about wasting them. A dead nem can nuke a tank, then you will wish you threw out $4 in silversides than nuke >$1000's in a tank crash. Think of the risk/rewards. To me, the risk is just too large for very little reward.
G4546
New member
That may be, but you did take a very firm stance on a side of the fence regarding silversides, we only responded the way we did based on your standpoint.
Valid point, +1
kegogut
Active member
I didnt take a firm stance on anything except the nutritional value of silversides,which I still believe they are more nutritious than your seafood counter products. That wasnt the point of this thread though,the point was for people to explain why they are against using silversides. Sure you can soak fresh fish in selcon or other additives but without it theyre not as nutritious.
I may continue to feed silversides as well considering Ive never had a problem with them. The package I have now obviously isnt contaminated as Ive been feeding it to them for months with no ill effects.
As with ANYTHING in this hobby,there will be lots of opinions either way and I like to get the most opinions and info I can before making a final decision.
So thanks for telling me what MY opinion was.
bues0022
New member
As asked before, can you please provide some data on the nutritional value of silversides in comparison to other human food grade seafood? At this point, your only argument is because there are bones/guts in them, so it must be better. In that line of thought, I may believe that grapefruit are better for you than a kiwi fruit because I think the orange color looks better. However, testing will show the kiwi fruit to be extremely nutritious, and the grapefruit lacking in many ways.
Back to the fish, you can also coarse chop a variety of foods to give the nem more variety, so this may assist in additional nutrition. That is a hypothesis, as I do not have data on said issue.
I think your argument falls a little short of my logical ability, however. You have been feeding these silversides for months. We all know that food goes bad with time - yes, even in the freezer. It may only be a matter of time....left out on the counter one too many times, freezer door not closed fully and not noticing. There are many variables that can affect food quality.
Back to my previous example, I've been drinking this last gallon of milk for 10 days, so using your logic I should still be ok for a long time??? What I am trying to say, is that previous history is not always a true predictor for future experiences.
I agree fully that there are many opinions in this hobby, but dead nems from very experienced hobbiests with a direct positive correlation to feeding silversides is not an opinion, it is a fact. I'm not saying it will absolutely happen, but rather it is most definitely a risk.
I like the quote in your signature, maybe it applies in this situation, but use the word "my" as "our". We're all here to share and help, and are not trying to steer anyone wrong.
Back to the fish, you can also coarse chop a variety of foods to give the nem more variety, so this may assist in additional nutrition. That is a hypothesis, as I do not have data on said issue.
I think your argument falls a little short of my logical ability, however. You have been feeding these silversides for months. We all know that food goes bad with time - yes, even in the freezer. It may only be a matter of time....left out on the counter one too many times, freezer door not closed fully and not noticing. There are many variables that can affect food quality.
Back to my previous example, I've been drinking this last gallon of milk for 10 days, so using your logic I should still be ok for a long time??? What I am trying to say, is that previous history is not always a true predictor for future experiences.
I agree fully that there are many opinions in this hobby, but dead nems from very experienced hobbiests with a direct positive correlation to feeding silversides is not an opinion, it is a fact. I'm not saying it will absolutely happen, but rather it is most definitely a risk.
I like the quote in your signature, maybe it applies in this situation, but use the word "my" as "our". We're all here to share and help, and are not trying to steer anyone wrong.
kegogut
Active member
I cant provide data on it. Its just a theory of mine that including the heads(not the bones and guts per say) is more nutritious. But as I said its just my opinion.
After doing a bit more of data collecting of other peoples experiences it seems that quite of few people have had nems turn into goo after feeding said silversides. And while that may be enough to stop feeding them,theres still alot of unanswered questions around the topic. Where did they purchase the silversides,did they let the package thaw completely,how long did the fish sit out to thaw before it was fed.
Im not arguing FOR the feeding of silversides. Im just looking to get more data on the subject other than. "I read that this happened to someone so Im not going to do it."
That would be like saying"someone got hit by a car crossing the street,so Im not going to cross anymore streets."
After doing a bit more of data collecting of other peoples experiences it seems that quite of few people have had nems turn into goo after feeding said silversides. And while that may be enough to stop feeding them,theres still alot of unanswered questions around the topic. Where did they purchase the silversides,did they let the package thaw completely,how long did the fish sit out to thaw before it was fed.
Im not arguing FOR the feeding of silversides. Im just looking to get more data on the subject other than. "I read that this happened to someone so Im not going to do it."
That would be like saying"someone got hit by a car crossing the street,so Im not going to cross anymore streets."
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rhdoug
New member
I think whole animals are "better" for our anemones simply because that is what they have evolved to eat. Whole cyclopeze, mysids, shrimp, krill, etc, and small fish. There must be something in the bones, eyes, brains, skin, fins, guts, etc that the anemone gets some benefit from. I do realize that they sometimes expel some parts after eating a whole animal, but that does not mean that the nem hasn't got some nutrition from it first. I think feeding strictly muscle (meat) to anemones, even when enriched, is probably not the best way to go. I also agree that some chopped larger prey is valuable (maybe necessary) in providing a varied diet to our anemones and other animals.
As I said earlier, I have used silversides as a part of a varied diet for my sebae for 11 years, and will most likely continue to do so. I keep frozen food both for the tank and my family in my freezer for months. A little vigilance on the freezer door usually solves any problem with food quality, although it has been left open on occasion. I have not seen anything other than a few posts that MIGHT link anemone deaths to silversides, certainly not recently. A search has turned up only one or two incidents that seem to point strongly to fouled silversides causing anemone deaths. IMO, a lot of internet hysteria followed, as is normal at times in these forums. Given the odds I think I will continue to use them and other frozen foods, and hope for the best. But if they stink when I open the bag I throw them out!
As I said earlier, I have used silversides as a part of a varied diet for my sebae for 11 years, and will most likely continue to do so. I keep frozen food both for the tank and my family in my freezer for months. A little vigilance on the freezer door usually solves any problem with food quality, although it has been left open on occasion. I have not seen anything other than a few posts that MIGHT link anemone deaths to silversides, certainly not recently. A search has turned up only one or two incidents that seem to point strongly to fouled silversides causing anemone deaths. IMO, a lot of internet hysteria followed, as is normal at times in these forums. Given the odds I think I will continue to use them and other frozen foods, and hope for the best. But if they stink when I open the bag I throw them out!
I also want to point out again, that 90%+ is planktonic in nature as per J M Shick. So while the silversides may not be the direct cause in all cases, I certainly feel the size and volume and frequency maybe as much to blame as anything. From my readings, it seem that the nems digestive system is not really designed to handle this type of feeding regiment.
Food for thought LOL
Food for thought LOL
OrionN
Moved on
Just use common sense. Don't feed anemone spoiled food.
Regarding What is heathy for anemone, I think eatting a variety of things is healthier and eatting the same thing all the time. Certaily not eatting the gut and head of fish does not seem to cause my anemone any problem. My longest anemone in captivity for me (in my tank) is a H. malu that I have had for about 10 years. This malu only eat the choice cut of various fish and shrimp. This anemone is a male Malu and have spawn often, several times a year.
I have another 10+ year anemone which is my green Gigantea. I have had him for 6 months or so, but the previous owner had him for 10+ years. Food for this anemone also include snails that happen to get too close and a fish or two the last 6 months. One of which is an aduld flame angel (5 years in my tank)
Regarding What is heathy for anemone, I think eatting a variety of things is healthier and eatting the same thing all the time. Certaily not eatting the gut and head of fish does not seem to cause my anemone any problem. My longest anemone in captivity for me (in my tank) is a H. malu that I have had for about 10 years. This malu only eat the choice cut of various fish and shrimp. This anemone is a male Malu and have spawn often, several times a year.
I have another 10+ year anemone which is my green Gigantea. I have had him for 6 months or so, but the previous owner had him for 10+ years. Food for this anemone also include snails that happen to get too close and a fish or two the last 6 months. One of which is an aduld flame angel (5 years in my tank)
Alaskan Grizzlies would disagree - they often just eat the innards of salmon and leave the muscle! Useless fact aside, I think you're right to feed as much of the prey animal as you can.
D-Nak
Active member
I think I'll close this out by just saying that if we can't convince you to stop feeding your anemone silversides because they can possibly kill your anemone, then no other reason can.
For most of us, the risk far outweighs the benefits, especially when there are many good options available that won't harm the anemone at all, compounding this with the fact that anemones don't need to be fed in the first place.
For most of us, the risk far outweighs the benefits, especially when there are many good options available that won't harm the anemone at all, compounding this with the fact that anemones don't need to be fed in the first place.
rhdoug
New member
ditto!
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