Frequency and quantity of feed
Fish should be fed small quantities 2-3 times daily as opposed to a single large feeding once a day. Smaller feedings allow for more efficient nutritional absorption and prevents excess food from polluting the system. At each feed, the fish should be given as much food as they can consume within 2-5 minutes. Within this 2-5 minute period, it is advised that you sprinkle a small amount of food over the surface and watch as the fish eat it, and then continue adding more food for the remaining time. This ensures all food is eaten and there is no excess left to pollute the tank. You know you have overfed when there is a large amount of food left at the bottom. Of course if you are target feeding bottom feeders, then this rule does not apply.
If you have a community tank you should also closely observe the fish at feeding time to ensure all fish are getting sufficient food. Some fish species are extremely fast feeders and will quickly consume food from the surface, leaving middle and bottom feeders with little to consume. If this is happening, then the types of food fed should be varied to cater for the slower feeders, or fish may have to be segregated to accommodate particular feeding habits.
It is also important to ensure that the particle size of the food is small enough to fit the gape of the fish’s mouth, but large enough so that it has something decent to munch on. Again you should observe the fish at feeding time as you will see the fish attempt to eat the granule, then leave it to sink to the bottom if it is too large.
Overall, feeding of fish is fairly self explanatory, however it requires some time and close observation to ensure it is done well.
