Quick Nem Question

[NoobSalt]

Hey all,

So I just had a quick question about my BTA. Quick rundown of params -

temp 78-82 depending on time of day and lights on or off, usually though maintains around 78.
pH - 8.4 steady
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5ish
phosphate 0
calcium around 500
alk 11dkH

So the question, why does it not bubble? Some of the tentacles look like they are shrivled, but the BTA itself is fully open. The first day I got it, it looked like it does in the first picture. Now, it does bubble up from time to time, perhaps during the day when I am at work and can't see, but when I get home at night it looks like it does in the second and third pics (not the best pics I know)

Any suggestions or words of wisdom? It has not moved from that spot since the day I put it in there like 2-3 weeks ago so I assume it likes its home and where it is. Perhaps the clown stresses it out? Also my cleaner shrimp always trys to take food from it, I figure one day the BTA will just eat my shrimp as payback...I'm kind of Ok with that, survival of the fittest I guess. Thanks for the help!

[Original Fin]

This is a very common Observation with BTA's, and the answer is nobody really knows for sure...lots of different theorys, but nothing substantial enough to act on. It may happen, or it may not. Theres no reason to think either mean anything about your tank parameters. Color, appetite and sticking in the same spot are your main indicators of health in captivity.

[NoobSalt]

So, it's not sick or dying, as far as you can tell that is? I just dont get how it was this nice bunchy looking kooshball, to this flat disc looking thing. I feed it like a chunk of frozen mysis brine shrimp, which the LFS said would be fine, its the same thing I feed the fish..should I change it's diet? From all the research I have done, it seems like they are all different, and eat different things, and different sizes of food, so its hard. I just dont want to over feed, or underfeed.

This tank is a blessing and a curse, and I love it. Hahaha I just wanna know how to make it its best!!

[kevinpo]

Hello,
Your E. quadricolor looks fine. A diet of silversides cut into 1/4"-1/2" pieces 2-3 times a week is a good diet for this anemone.

Cheers,
Kevin

[NoobSalt]

Thanks. It makes me feel better to hear that, but any reason why such a difference in appearance? From Koosh Ball to flat disc? I figure some of the soft, deflated wrinkly tentacles are due to the clown that hosts and bites/suckles on them, right?

I just want to be a bubble tip! haha

Thanks again though for letting me know it looks fine.

[kevinpo]

Hello,
There are many theories ranging from flow to feeding, to lighting but I have seen them form long tentacles for months at a time only to suddenly return to very short round tentacles for months more.

Cheers,
Kevin

[NoobSalt]

Hmm, I figure since it has not moved from its spot at all in the 2 weeks its been in my tank, it must like its home, so flow, lighting and everything should be good for it. I've read if they don't like where they are they will move all over the place or even hide if they are not happy, so this must be a good thing for me!

Thanks again!