A Quick Guide To Feeding Your Fish

• Posted on 30 August 2018
• By Aquarium Illusions
• Posted in aquarium filters, aquarium parts, aquarium pumps, aquarium test kits, live aquarium plants

Overfeeding is one of the biggest mistakes that aquarium hobbyists make, and it can lead to a variety of issues in the aquarium and for the inhabitants inside. When you give fish too much food, the remnants can clog your filter and break down into toxins that are harmful to fish.

In this blog, we are going to help you determine how much food you should actually feed your fish.

The Risks of Overfeeding Your Fish

Feeding your fish too much food or feeding them too frequently can lead to several issues. Both excessive digestive fish waste and uneaten food can pollute the water and create high levels of nitrate that lower the oxygen levels in the tank, as well as lower pH levels. If your water tests show high nitrate levels it could be due to overfeeding your aquarium inhabitants. And remember, any excess food that is floating in the water can cause the filtration system to clog, making the water toxic.

How Often Should You Feed Your Fish?

The number of feedings you give your fish each day will depend on the species of fish you have inside your fish tank. Generally, most fish can thrive off a feeding once per day. Most species of fish, though, require 16 to 24 hours to completely digest the food they eat, so feeding your fish once a day should be sufficient enough. Some fish owners, however, prefer to feed their fish twice-a-day in smaller portions instead of just once a day in a larger portion. But, regardless of if you use one or two feedings, it is important to keep the feedings very small. Unless you have nocturnal fish in your aquarium, the timing of feeding is not as critical as the amount of food that is given to the fish. Keep in mind, younger fish that are not fully grown may require more frequent feedings.

How Much Food Should You Feed Your Fish?

When it comes to the amount of food you give your fish, a good rule of thumb that many fish owners follow is to feed no more than the fish will entirely consume in less than five minutes. In these situations, it's better to underfeed than overfeed — you can always add another small feeding later if you feel it's necessary. However, overfeeding will cause the uneaten fish food to produce by-products that can be toxic to the fish. If you do overfeed your fish, you can remove the excess, uneaten food from the tank using a fish net or siphon. If you ever notice brownish, rotting food material floating towards the bottom of the tank, it is a clear sign that you are overfeeding. This can cause ammonia levels in the tank to rise and it can cause serious health consequences for your fish. Like any species, overfed fish may become obese and bloated.

Feeding Tip: Be sure to store your fish food in a cool place to ensure it maintains its nutritional value and that your fish are getting the most value out of their feedings.

The best way to determine how much to feed your fish is by researching the species to figure out the appropriate amounts. Keep in mind that some fish foods are specific to species, while others may be tailored to freshwater fish or saltwater species.

Whether you need to add new fish to your aquarium, stock up on fish food and aquarium supplies, or just have questions about aquarium maintenance, contact the professionals at Aquarium Illusions. Visit our aquarium store in Edmonton or shop our selection of aquarium essentials online!