Fish Feeding Pointers

[railer20]

So finally got my tank cycled and fish added yesterday afternoon. Fed this morning but have a question. I have a 54 gallon corner tank with a Cascade 1000 filter and spraybar as the output. When I fed this morning the flakes basically blew all over the place and seemed like most fell to the bottom. I think I need to crush the flakes up because my fish being new are pretty small so maybe that deterred them as well. But should I shut the filter off for 10 min or so while feeding so the food can float/settle normally if that makes sense? Also happy to take pointers on a feeding schedule. I have Xtreme flakes, nano pellets, algea wafers and dried bloodworms (can't remember brand).

1 - clown pleco
2 - nerite snails
3 - Pearl gouramis
8 - Sterbai Corys
10 - White Cloud Tetras/Minnows
10 - Harlequin Rasboras

 

[FreshyFresh]

Congrats on your progress! I've been mostly following your cycling thread.

Like you say, all you can do is shut the filter off or re-direct your spray bars and/or filter outlets. Problem with power cycling filters is, it increases the chance it's not going to get turned back on.

I prefer not to use spray bars and just let canisters discharge out the elbow. I try to keep splashing and surface agitation to a minimum.

 

[railer20]

Congrats on your progress! I've been mostly following your cycling thread.

Like you say, all you can do is shut the filter off or re-direct your spray bars and/or filter outlets. Problem with power cycling filters is, it increases the chance it's not going to get turned back on.

I prefer not to use spray bars and just let canisters discharge out the elbow. I try to keep splashing and surface agitation to a minimum.

Honestly I hate the spray bar so if there is another way I am all ears! Do you have a picture of how you do yours with the elbow? I'd rather not shut if off if possible.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Honestly I hate the spray bar so if there is another way I am all ears! Do you have a picture of how you do yours with the elbow? I'd rather not shut if off if possible.

I don't have great pic taking skills or equipment, but you'll see the elbow in the pic below between the heater and intake for the HOB. I keep two filters on this 55gal. A sunsun 302 canister and an aquaclear 110.

 

[railer20]

Man my elbow doesn't drop down far enough....wander if I can rig something lol.

 

[dudley]

Try rotating the spray bar so the holes face toward the glass a bit more as that may help from pushing surface food everywhere.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Man my elbow doesn't drop down far enough....wander if I can rig something lol.

What canister are you using? This cheapo sunsun 302 happened to come with different fittings that allows you to customize the outflow. I don' use any of the suction cup holders or anything. Just the J-hook, a small straight coupling then the elbow. I've got a box full of fittings I don't use having been through a bunch of different filters over the years. This particular Sunsun has been in use since 2013.

 

[railer20]

Cascade 1000. I just turned the spray bar around facing the glass. I didn't know if that was enough surface agitation. Guess between that and my two small sponge filters making bubbles it should be good?

 

[dudley]

Just monitor the tank for a bit, I think once the fish grow a bit bigger and become comfortable you may be able to readjust the spray bar. The sponge filters should help break the water surface to provide gas exchange.

 

[FishAddict74]

So finally got my tank cycled and fish added yesterday afternoon. Fed this morning but have a question. I have a 54 gallon corner tank with a Cascade 1000 filter and spraybar as the output. When I fed this morning the flakes basically blew all over the place and seemed like most fell to the bottom. I think I need to crush the flakes up because my fish being new are pretty small so maybe that deterred them as well. But should I shut the filter off for 10 min or so while feeding so the food can float/settle normally if that makes sense? Also happy to take pointers on a feeding schedule. I have Xtreme flakes, nano pellets, algea wafers and dried bloodworms (can't remember brand).

1 - clown pleco
2 - nerite snails
3 - Pearl gouramis
8 - Sterbai Corys
10 - White Cloud Tetras/Minnows
10 - Harlequin Rasboras

I would crush the flakes and feed smaller amounts at a time. I have a similar issue and I put a little amount of food, when they eat it I put a little more etc.. you could also redirect your flow at feeding time