Thinking of getting some tropical fish and want to know how to feed them? Don’t worry, just read my Feeding Tropical Fish guide and learn the ropes with 4 short and easy steps!
Step 1: Do your research
Head over to your pet store and look at the different types of fish food for sale; Each species of fish has different dietary requirements. Make sure you find the right information! For example, herbivores eat fiber from algae and carnivores require protein from live fish or special pellets/flakes. Some species even require live worms and insects.
Of course, you can also use the web to learn about the different types of fish food. If you buy fish food, make sure you buy from a reputable web dealer. Some companies will unscrupulously put bad ingredients in their fish food!
Step 2: Do not overfeed your tropical fish
Fish like to eat and it’s up to you to make sure they don’t overeat. Tropical fish usually only eat enough to fill their stomachs, usually 3-5 minutes after they start eating. The extra food will not be consumed and will remain in the tank water, causing pollution and upsetting the balance of your aquarium’s ecosystem. Bad for the fish and more work for you.
Step 3 – Watch the Feeding Timing
It is very important to watch the fish when they are feeding. There are a number of problems that can arise during this period: new fish that are too timid to feed with other fish, faster fish that eat all the food, and sick fish that refuse to eat. Some fish are even picky about food brands – different fish like different foods. It is important to find out what are the best tropical fish foods for your fish. Keep in mind that some fish will only walk at night, while others will only feed during the day. By watching your tropical fish feed you can compensate for any problems they have while feeding.
Step 4: Vary up the fish menu!
Fish get bored with the same diet, so it’s important to mix it up from time to time. I suggest alternating between frozen and dry foods with vegetables. Wild fish have a varied diet and you want to mimic this as closely as possible, something you can’t do when you feed them the same thing! Remember: a happy and well-fed fish is a long-lived fish!
Tropical fish farming is a rewarding hobby. There is some initial work involved, but ultimately, the resulting enjoyment is worth every effort you put into this hobby.