Awkward Bta Anemone

markthereefman · 12-18-2005, 05:33 AM

Hi There Could Anyone Shed Some Light On My Medium Sized Bta. I Have Good Water Quality On A Rio 400 System Running Twin 250w Metal Halide With Actinic Supplement. The Problem Is That My Anemone Goes Behind The Rockwork In An Area That Is Shaded And Has Little Waterflow. This Makes It Very Difficult To Feed The Anemone And It Is Not On View. My Powerheads Are Run By A Wavemaker Which Circulate Water Very Well Mainly At The Top Surface Of The Tank. Could The Anemone Being Recieving Too Much Light Or Too Much Water Flow?

mmakay · 12-18-2005, 07:39 AM

It is unlikely that he is in too much current, my BTA plays in the return. If he is new to the system, though, he might just be getting used to his surroundings. They like to hide their feet deep in the rocks. If you don't have a crevice out front for him to attach inside of, that may be why he has retreated to a more remote area. Give him time, they will keep wandering until they find a place with good light (a must) and the right current. Usually, that is out where you can see them.

Bruce · 12-18-2005, 10:43 AM

Second!

Jay · 12-18-2005, 11:55 AM

Third We agree

My2heartboys · 12-18-2005, 10:48 PM

I may be totally off here (which would not be unreasonable), but I just read somewhere that BTAs like to retreat to a darker corner of an aquarium a day or so before they divide. While the previous two suggestions are more likely--keep an eye out for extra mouths to feed.

Don't know if I am right or not--just keep close eye on it. I would say that with a new animal--anything could be possible.

Anne

Big Wally B · 12-20-2005, 08:13 AM

Anne's idea would have merit, although not too likely for a new acquisition, which would generally be quite stressed. I generally agree with the rest. None of the hosts I have had over these lo many years has sought darkness tho.

I would like to correct some of what I consider misinterpretation according to my information. Many consider corals and anemones similar, but they really are not that similar in their general needs; because there are so very many of each, each requiring its own habitat. According to Dr. Ron Shimek; host anemones, while using zooxanthellae for emergency sustenance, do not need much light, let alone high light, in order to do well. Matter of fact, they will usually try to find a more comfortable level/place in a bright aquarium. Most or all of their sustenance comes from caught food and thus the right currents are more important than light. Current cannot be too high, but must be a certain level in order to carry food to them and mucus and bio waste away.

My2heartboys · 12-21-2005, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Wally B

Anne's idea would have merit, although not too likely for a new acquisition, which would generally be quite stressed. I generally agree with the rest. None of the hosts I have had over these lo many years has sought darkness tho.

I would like to correct some of what I consider misinterpretation according to my information. Many consider corals and anemones similar, but they really are not that similar in their general needs; because there are so very many of each, each requiring its own habitat. According to Dr. Ron Shimek; host anemones, while using zooxanthellae for emergency sustenance, do not need much light, let alone high light, in order to do well. Matter of fact, they will usually try to find a more comfortable level/place in a bright aquarium. Most or all of their sustenance comes from caught food and thus the right currents are more important than light. Current cannot be too high, but must be a certain level in order to carry food to them and mucus and bio waste away.

Hey, Big Wally B, notice I said that I could be and probably was wrong. It was just something that rang a bell that I had read recently although kinda figured it wasn't the case--but threw it out anyway.

Anne

Big Wally B · 12-22-2005, 07:32 AM

Anne, don't get your knickers in a knot! I was applauding and even thought about some karma cause not many people are that knowledgable. Unfortunately, I am a stingy old codger and didn't. So I'll make up for it.

I had a rose BTA that did exactly what you stated, which makes me wonder how you knew? Then "they" stayed back there in the dark for a month before I moved them back out front.

Can I get up now?? :embarrass:

My2heartboys · 12-23-2005, 08:09 PM

Sure Wally. I did not mean to insult--just clarify. Been trying to read my way through Natural Reef Aquariums by Tullock for the last 4-5 months and I happened to have just recently covered that part of the book.

Sorry it has taken a while to get back--but have had some tank probs and have been busy doing water changes as well as equipment cleaning (yuck).

Well, I won't be stingy and send you some Karma.

Merry Christmas

Anne

Bruce · 12-23-2005, 08:29 PM

Any update? i know when i first got my little Rbta he ran away in the back, now he is right out in the front and the clowns are in it...er when they are now having domestic problems...although im not sure about the hide to split, it is surley a possibility. Also although they do not "need" "more" light (sorry for the "" lol) it will definitly not hurt them, many corals and inverts do get energy from food and such, however if the anemone is in the shad 24/7 the zooanthelle will die, and if they die its bad news

Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to ask