Pet Forum / Aquaria / Marine Reef / September 2003

Hi, all,

I thought I'd share some experiences on feeding my H. crispa. I mentioned
about 6 months ago that I had had good luck simply by feeding my fish near
the anemone and it would get sufficient droppings to thrive. Marc L had
commented that in his experience, they could waste away with that feed
scheme Upon further observation I wanted to extend my comments that:

I think a H. crispa can do quite well taking what the fish don't get in a
large tank with a healthy fish load assuming you take care to feed near the
anemone. With enough food in the water, it seems to catch its fair share and
it benefits I think from a daily small feed rather than a less frequent
large feed. When I had my anemone in a 220G tank, it did quite well on this
diet, added many tentacles and was quite expanded.

About a year ago, I shut down the big tank and moved the anemone to a 55G
tank. I kept up the same feeding regimen and noticed that it was starting to
shrink, never a good sign. So I resumed directed feeding of the anemone and
it has since returned to its former glory. I think the difference was simply
the amount of fish in the tank and consequently the amount of food the
anemone could get with out a targetted feed. With sufficient fish, there is
enough left over. With a smaller load, there isn't.

My current scheme is to still feed near it where it grabs some flake, mysis,
etc. but also give it some Formula I or II every 2-4 days. Seems to be doing
quite well on that.

Anyway, just some thoughts on it. Hope they are useful.

   Marc