Feeding aquarium fish may look like a tricky job, especially if this is the first time you have fish. Just because you’ve had other pets before, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to take care of your fish without doing your homework upfront.
Every type of pet comes with unique requirements and fish makes no exception either. Furthermore, different species will come with different requirements, just like different breeds of dogs or cats.
Fish live in a closed water system, so even tiny mistakes with food can influence their health and the entire tank.
This being said, let’s find out how to feed aquarium fish and what kind of rules you need to pay attention to. Keep in mind that each type of fish will have unique requirements as well, so these rules and guidelines are more general.
If there’s something you’re not sure of, get in touch with a vet.
A Few Words on Quantity
Quantity rules are slightly different from other pets. Sure, you shouldn’t overfeed any type of pet. But at times, some pets may get food at their discretion. This rule will never apply to fish. In fact, when not sure how to feed aquarium fish, keep in mind that less is more.
With time, you’ll become familiar with what your fish requires. Ideally, you should feed your fish what it can eat in two or three minutes. Anything left after that might be left behind. As the food starts decomposing, it affects the water quality.
Extra food leftovers may trigger spikes of ammonia. Those spikes can stress fish, weaken their immune systems and even lead to algae blooms.
How Often to Feed Your Fish
Learning how to feed aquarium fish has something to do with frequency as well. Again, different species or sizes will most likely have different requirements. Generally speaking, adults will require feeding once a day.
On the other hand, growing fish may need feeding two to three times a day.
The size plays an important role in the process too. A large fish can be fed once a day, while smaller fish will require more feeding sessions. Of course, food quantity will be directly proportional as well.
Different Methods for Different Fish
Whether you have freshwater or saltwater aquarium fish, the feeding method will depend on more factors. Habitat level (top, mid, bottom), mouth shape and activity all influence which food works best
Some species may have preferences, hence the necessity of doing your homework upfront. Here are the most common options:
- Top feeders. This type of food is one of the most popular options. Basically, you’ll get pellets or flakes with specific nutritional values. They’re made to float at the surface of the water. This means they’re easy to collect once the fish is done eating.
- Bottom feeders. Bottom feeders go in the same category with mid-water feeders. Again, you could find tablets or pellets. Compared to other options, they tend to sink, yet they’ll be slow. While they do have some benefits too, they’re more difficult to collect if there are any leftovers.
- Spot feeding. Spot feeding is a good option for some types of fish. For example, timid fish can be fed in this manner. The same goes for bottom dwellers who prefer to hide all the time. This form of feeding is conducted through a feeding tube. It’s also useful for ensuring more delicate species get their share in a busy community aquarium.
Importance of Cleanliness
Cleanliness is extremely important, especially when it comes to water. The environment can be very easily polluted if you fail to feed your fish accordingly. Moreover, any leftover food should be removed straight away before it contaminates everything.
Using your fingers to handle food is another bad idea. Just because you wash your hands before feeding your fish, it doesn’t mean that you’re doing it right. Natural oils from your skin will get into the tank and can contaminate the water.
Other contaminants could also lead to further problems.
This being said, when you get a fish, make sure to also invest in the right tools for cleaning, maintenance or feeding. Simple gear like siphons, algae scrapers and measuring spoons makes consistent care much easier.
Going on Vacation
Learning how to feed aquarium fish may also imply educating others if you go on vacation.
It’s worth noting that adult fish (most species) can normally survive for a week or even more without food. Extra feeding before leaving will only contaminate the tank, rather than do your fish any good.
Of course, you don’t want to starve or hurt your fish, so it might be better to find someone to come over once a day or so, especially if your fish is still growing
Automatic feeders set to very small doses can also be an option if they are tested in advance.
On top of all these things, it pays off to become familiar with different types of food for your fish. For example, you can mix pellets and flakes with live foods or even frozen foods for a more balanced nutrition, depending on the species.
In the end, learning how to feed aquarium fish implies researching the species and its unique necessities or requirements. Of course, there’s also the need to experiment with different methods to figure out which one is better for both your convenience and the comfort of your fish.
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