feeding schedule

[jiminy_crime]

I just recently purchased a 10 gal. tank for my bedroom and am brand new to taking care of fish. I bought 1 african cichlid that the guy called a bumble bee and then I bought 2 striped catfish. I do not know what a good feeding schedule is nor do I know the portions size that I should give at the specific feeding times. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

[OrionGirl]

Well, feeding will be the least of your problems, but that will come laters. You may want to look at the species profiles on both of those fish species.

Next--read up on cycling. It's going to start in your tank soon, and you need to be prepared.

During this time, feed VERY sparingly. A SMALL portion--no more than a pinch once every other day. Try putting it in the strongest flow so it gets widely dispersed and everyone gets a few bites. Half an algae tab every third to fourth day will help insure that the bottom feeders get something, but during cycling, you are not feeding for gorwth or fattening.

[blade929]

honestly i think you need to read up a bit before you embark on the not so simple hobby of fish keeping

[brianfl]

My guess is a bumble bee cichlid and two striped rafael catfish. You probably want to read one of the cycling subjects before you go any farther. Also, if you don't have it already you will need a water test kit. The water parameters could get a little tricky here with this mix (if they are striped rafaels), although not impossible.

[grace]

Welcome to a great hobby!! :cool:

Definitely follow OrionGirl's advice on the feeding - keep the portions small and spread them out. Make sure you get the following test kits: pH, ammonia (NH3), Nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3). Those last three you will absolutely need during the first month you have the tank.

You will also probably want to do about a 10% water change every week at least while the tank is cycling (have you read those articles yet? ;) ) to keep down the levels of the toxic stuff.

Keep the questions comin'!