Feeding

[jcmissionary]

After a long 4 weeks of fishless cycling, I was able to add my first fish last night. Now, I'm wondering how exactly they should be fed.

I have 6 Neon Tetras, 3 Otocinculus, and 4 swordtails (3 female, 1 male). I fed them a few minutes ago using TetraColor Tropical Flakes. The Tetras went right after the flakes, and seemed to like them. The swordtails, however, would take in a piece, then spit it back out (the Tetras would then go after those pieces). The oto's just stayed where they were, munching on algae and whatnot.

So, should I try another kind of flake? I imagine that the Tetras will like anything I give them, so I'm looking for something the swordtails will like. Also, how should I feed the oto's? I know that they should be fed algae tablets, but how often should I give them those?

Thanks for the help!

 

[aquariumfishguy]

Believe it or not, I have swordtails who are the same way after 4 years! They are picky about the texture, size, and brand of the flake food given. It has to be just the right size, shape and texture or they spit it out. I dont know why they do this, but they DO eat and yours will too once they see that this IS their meal, and they have to eat it.

If you'd like to experiment with foods right now, then do so. In fact its encouraged that you feed a variety of foods and esp until you find what works best for your fish. Then feeding will be a breeze. Feed once a day, or twice a day small amounts. If they look REALLY hungry and the food disapears then feed a little more but do not overfeed.

 

[Drakerizzo]

I agree with aquariumfishguy, variety is the key to a healthy diet. As far as your ottos, I suggest feeding algae wafers every two days (depending on the size of the wafer).

 

[daveedka]

I have seen the same thing with Swords, but I have never seen one let himself go hungry for long. You will hear several thoughts on how much to feed. I usually do once a day, all of the food that they can eat in 2 minutes, if you go twice a day I would give them as much as they eat in 1 minute. The big trick (and it always seemed hard for me to learn) is don't overfeed. if you have food consistantly falling to the bottom it will couse water problems do to the extra bioload it creates. Fish have really small stomachs for the most part, For me personally, If I feed about a third of what I think they need, its usually just a little too much. Just my thoughts. Watch your Swordtails, unless they show signs of stress like not coming after the food at all I wouldn't worry. I have a dog at home who decided one day Dog Chow wasn't good enough for him. It took him three days to change his mind and he has no problem with it now.

 

[TKOS]

When I feed my platies (same thing as sword tails really) I make sure to crush the food up really small. They seem to pig out more if they can get the whole little flake in their mouth at once. I also rotate between three foods.