How much to feed per fish?

[recoiljpr]

I've seen through searching questions on how often (frequency) everyone feeds and what kind of food they feed. What I haven't seen too much is the rough quantity per fish they feed.

In my case my tank has only two false percs, they are both about the length of my index finger. When I feed them pellets, I usually feed 1 or 2 pinches (about as round as my thumb pad, and about 2 pellets deep). When I feed mysis shrimp, I cut 1 cube in half and feed them the contents of the half cube. I only feed once per day. In addition to the percs, I have 10 blue-legged hermits and assorted snails.

So, I guess the question is do you think I'm overfeeding? If so, should I cut down to like a quarter of a cube, and half the thumb pad, etc?

[JKLUSAF]

please post more information about your tank, how big, sump/refug, lighting...ext

[recoiljpr]

29 gallon biocube
144W PC lighting
Sapphire BC 29 skimmer (3 days old, still not producing skimmate yet)
no sump/fuge (but I am starting on a DIY fuge, different post though)

[Jonthefishguy]

Small frequent feedings are best. Personally we recommend feeding your fish every other day rather than everyday. Of course, this also depends on the feeding requirements of your inhabitants. Examples would be Anthias and Tangs as they tend to have a higher metabolism and require continuous feeding. Feed a small amount and when it is quickly consumed by your fish, leaving nothing to fall to the bottom of the aquarium, you may feed more. Now, as a Rule of Thumb we recommend not feeding your fish any more food than the size of its eyeball as they are generally the same size. Now of course, this rule does not apply for every fish. However, it is a way of controlling the amount of food that is fed and the amount of excess waste that they will produce. A variety of food is very important for the health and well-being of your aquarium inhabitants. Overfeeding will pollute your system! Feed the fish (not the tank) ! Think about this...

Food should very seldom reach the bottom before your fish get it. You should strive to never see suspended, settled or floating food particles after 5 minutes. And - Never allow food to be left on the tank bottom. If you make a mistake and over feed any type of fish food, Please get out your net...and go to work eliminating as much as possible. (Excess food is often the primary cause of undesirable algae outbreaks and also a "trigger" for many fish deaths related to poor water quality). Just 5 minutes out of your day! Some situations require daily or twice daily feedings. Others will require only feeding every three days or so. Consult your professional regarding your specific tank community. In all cases, each feeding will only require 5 minutes of your time. Please be willing to invest this small amount of time at each feeding. You will save yourself many headaches and considerable money. You will get to know your fishes habits and what foods they like. And ...you will become better at NOT overdoing it.

Stay around and enjoy observing them during feeding. Not only are they more active during this time, but it is highly important that you see that there is no uneaten food left behind. You will also be able to note any unusual behavior that might indicate an emerging problem.

Very occasionally food will land on the substrate. If it can be removed - it should be. Please take notice and do your level best to rid the tank of this potential pollution. Net it out or grab it out - just get it out. You may be preventing a chain reaction which could lead to many fish losses. Then - Be certain to adjust future feedings to insure that this does not happen often. So, be careful..... And responsible!!

[ErikH]

As much as you can without getting cyano! :P