Platies swimming too slow to get food during feeding

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3woodlandcreatures

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Jul 23, 2016
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Hi everyone,

I recently added newcomers to my 20gal freshwater planted tank. Among them are 3 sunburst platies and 3 danios. Everyone is lively and exploring the tank to their heart's content. The problem is that compared to the danios and the existing diamond tetras, my platies swim much slower so when it's time to feed them, the platies don't get any food because the others have snatched it all up. I've got lots of plants in the tank, so I know they can at least munch on those for the time being, but I'd really like a solution to this dilemma - I don't want them to be malnourished.

Your insight and advice is much appreciated!
 

3woodlandcreatures

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Jul 23, 2016
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I spread it out, I've tried feeding away from the tetras but the platies are always too slow to notice the food.
 

Aquaticfrog32

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Mar 17, 2016
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I had a problem like this. A few months ago, I had a newly put up 20gal, and the molly was hogging all the food. What I did is use a turkey baster, suck up some water, put it in a dish, put flakes in the dish, then suck it all up and deposit it in the water so all could see it. That way you can put it all in front of their faces. Good luck.

-Aquaticfrog32
 

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I agree, try mixing with a little water and "turkey baste" the food into the water.. Eventually, the platies will be just as fast.
 

myswtsins

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Good idea with the baster! My roselines are FAST piglets. I feed several different foods at every feeding (to ensure big and small fish get appropriate sized food and for diversity) in one area and quickly. Then they can't get ALL the food and the slower smaller cardinals and ember tetras get a chance, as well as some food actually hits the substrate so the loaches get a chance. lol
 

3woodlandcreatures

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Jul 23, 2016
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Considering my stock, how many pellets should i be feeing to my tank every other day?
 

Aquaticfrog32

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What kind of pellets?
 

xxenjxx

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Jul 18, 2012
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I have danios and skirt tetras that outspeed my guppies but when im concerned about feeding them If you stick you hand in the water the tetras and such usually shy away while the happy livebearers come up to you. Spot feeding with a turkey baster is also fun
 
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