Feeding Recommendations – Tropical Community Fish

What to feed: Flakes, Granules, Sinking Pellets, Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Frozen Formulas

When to feed: Once per day (first two weeks) – twice per day (when adjusted)

When to increase: After fish have become adjusted to the new environment (up to one month after purchase) and eat all food given in 1-2 minutes.

Special Considerations: Larger fish or very active fish need to eat more and more frequently.

 

Feeding Recommendations – Aggressive Fish

What to feed: Pellets, Bloodworms, Frozen Formulas

When to feed: Once per day (first week) – twice per day (when adjusted)

When to increase: After fish have become adjusted to the new environment (up to one month after purchase) and eat all food given in 1-2 minutes. Increase pellet size with the fish size as they grow.

Special Considerations: Depending on the level off aggressiveness, some fish may hog all of the food. Pay attention to ensure each fish is eating, meaning target feeding or feeding multiple types of food at once.

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Feeding Recommendations – Saltwater Fish

What to feed: Flakes, Pellets, Mysis Shrimp, Bloodworms, Krill, Clam Strips, Shrimp, Frozen Formulas

When to feed: Once per day (first week) – twice per day (when adjusted)

When to increase: After fish have become adjusted to the new environment (up to two months after purchase) and eat all food given in 1-2 minutes. Larger fish need to be fed larger food options.

Special Considerations: Placement of food is crucial, as some fish are shy eaters and may not come to the surface to feed at the same time as other fish. Target feeding may be required depending on your species.

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Feeding Recommendations – Freshwater Invertebrates

What to feed: Sinking Pellets, Sinking Wafers, Algae Wafers

When to feed: 2-3 times per week as supplement

When to increase: Only increase feedings if there are more inverts than the tank “leftovers” can maintain. Larger crabs will need to be fed more frequently than smaller inverts.

Special Considerations: A slice of blanched zucchini is a great treat for freshwater snails and can help strengthen their shells.

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Feeding Recommendations – Saltwater Invertebrates (excluding anemones/cucumbers)

What to feed: Mysis Shrimp

When to feed: 3 or 4 times per week (fish only tanks) or supplementary (reef tanks)

When to increase: Only increase feedings if there are more inverts than the tank “leftovers” can maintain. In reef tanks, inverts are meant to feed on detritus and only require occasional feedings.

Special Considerations: Some species are more aggressive than others, and may cannibalize their tank mates if not kept fed.

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Feeding Recommendations – Goldfish/Koi

What to feed: Flakes, Granules, Pellets

When to feed: Every other day

When to increase: Feed daily when fish are well established and increase size of food as the fish grow.

Special Considerations: Goldfish are the “dirtiest” fish to keep. Be sure not to feed them more than they can eat within 1-2 minutes to avoid polluting the water further.

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Feeding Recommendations – Betta Fish

What to feed: Pellets, Brine Shrimp, Bloodworms

When to feed: 2-3 times per week

When to increase: Do not increase feedings. Bettas can go up to a week without food, so feeding more often than 2-3 times weekly can pollute the water and cause problems.

Special Considerations: Bettas that are kept in heated tanks may eat more readily than bettas in bowls due to an increased metabolism. Only feed your betta 1-3 pellets per feeding.