Got a new BTA

tmscott89 · Apr 4, 2020

So this is my first BTA and I bought a very small one in person because I personally love to watch everything grow in my tank. My question is will it take to being fed silversides like my sea star? Or should I specifically buy raw shrimp for it? It has unfortunately already moved to a spot where not much light or flow is going to hit it but I’m hoping it’s just getting adjusted to the tank and will move to a better spot soon. It’s only been in for 24 hours.

bsn_rn_cen · Apr 4, 2020

You don't have to feed it at all. It will get what it needs without it.

tmscott89 · Apr 4, 2020

bsn_rn_cen said:
You don't have to feed it at all. It will get what it needs without it.

Really? I’ve seen plenty of threads and videos with people feeding them? Is this only later once they mature? I also do not have clownfish in the DT yet but I do have 4 currently in my QT for about 3 weeks now.

bsn_rn_cen · Apr 4, 2020

You can feed them yes. I'm just saying you don't have to and it will be just fine.

Chefwheredyougo · Apr 4, 2020

bsn_rn_cen said:
You can feed them yes. I'm just saying you don't have to and it will be just fine.

+1, also turn your lights down and acclimate it to your preferred lighting schedule and intensity over several weeks.

xxkenny90xx · Apr 4, 2020

I rarely feed mine. Silverside pieces are ok (not great, but ok). They mostly get what they need from strong lighting

Mr_Knightley · Apr 4, 2020

In my experience, it is always best for the health (and growth) of any anemone to feed it at least once a week. in nature, they almost constantly are eating plankton, so it's only natural that they keep their stomachs full.
Good luck and God bless you!

footguy · Apr 4, 2020

personally, I use LRS Reef Frenzy Nano (I only have a 20 gal and a 25 gal), I have two tiny clownfish (>1 inch) and I just take a chunk of that and give it to the anemone (RBTA). Make sure whatever you give it is 1/2 the size of the mouth because it can literally choke on it and die. It also gets some of the tiny leftovers from feeding the clowns and it’s starting to split, only got it about 1 1/2 months ago as a 3 inch head.

tmscott89 · Apr 4, 2020

Chefwheredyougo said:
+1, also turn your lights down and acclimate it to your preferred lighting schedule and intensity over several weeks.

Ok, great tip! I’m assuming my corals that are use to the intensity I have normally will not suffer from the lights being a little dimmer for the short period of time??

Uncle99 · Apr 4, 2020

You can feed, but sparingly (like a squirt of mysis or small piece of raw shrimp).
By sparingly, I’m thinking once/twice a month.
You can actually stuff to much stuff and totally stress it out for weeks, sometimes death.
Virtually all nutrition comes from photosynthetic process.