I suppose (and hope) this behavior is normal for a BTA?

[mooner]

I have found several threads here on this subject that put my mind to ease somewhat. I have a med sized (10") BTA that has been pretty happy since I got it a month ago. I placed it in a spot that it appearantly liked as it attached and never has detached from. The spot is under the light in a large section of LR that will allow a full retraction area for the BTA should it be so inclined.

Up until about a week ago it was very happy and it ate well. It also has a maroon clown that's with it 24/7. Well, a week ago it began to deflate a bit and darken up. I come in this morning and it is about 10% its normal size, it's fully retracted, dark brown with some bright green color on it's surface. I hope it's just doing something natural like expelling waste.

A recent change: MH 250 W light upgrade from PC's which I am doing a slow acclimation to and nothing more. The bulb is 24" from the water surface and 5' from the BTA and I have a 6 hour photo day right now. I change my water at 10% a week or more with RO/DI. All params are 0, pH 8.3, SG 1.023, Ca 400+, Alks 10.

I have a question about feeding: The clown loves to feed this thing when I feed the fish and stuffs 5 or more MYSIS in it daily which it consumes gladly. Should I try to feed it some silversides in addition to this or just let it be? I just thought nutrition may be a factor but I hear some never feed them at all.

Thanks all.

 

[mooner]

Well, time answered my question. He's back in full glory. Guess he just wanted some privacy to "do his thing".

I still want some feedback on my BTA feeding question if there are opinions out there though. I plan on feeding him once a week or so. I will go with silversides and the clown supplied MYSIS will do the rest.

Thanks all.

 

[monkeyboy]

If it's getting all that mysis every day, I wouldn't suppliment it unless you want it to clone. The more you feed it, the more HUGE it will become, and hopefullly it will take a hint and divide. Good luck!

 

[texman]

I NEVER feed my BTA's and they divide anyway. I have some clowns that do give the anemone some scraps. I wish they wouldn't get so big, since they are very hard to remove from my tank. I have already had to kill one with an injection of KOH because it started really bothering some corals near it.

 

[mooner]

I NEVER feed my BTA's and they divide anyway. I have some clowns that do give the anemone some scraps. I wish they wouldn't get so big, since they are very hard to remove from my tank. I have already had to kill one with an injection of KOH because it started really bothering some corals near it.

Amazing that you have such healthy BTA's! I am glad to hear it but it crushes me to think you had to kill one off. I'd be glad to make a home for one if you ever have the need to whack another (assuming you can get it out of the tank). I have a refugium that could house one.

I will hold off on feeding it as this maroon clown stuffs this guy and hardly takes any food for himself. The BTA literally gets 1/2 of the food I dump into the tank because of the clown.

I appreciate all the tips guys and if you have any more information that will help this anemone thrive let me know becasue I really like it and what it adds to my tank. Not to mention my clown would be a lost sole without his buddy.