Help! Overfed Fish

[bolinao]

My 3 year old decided to help me feed the fish and when i left the room for a minute she put about 2 tablespoons of flakes into the tank,the tank was clouded in flakes.So i got the pump out and pumped out about a 3rd of the water and got most of it,but there is still flakes around.i didnt want to take out more water in case i removed too much good bacteria.Is it safe to leave it as it is or do i need to do something else,i have 2 discus 4 male yuppies and about 8 neon tetras...thanks

 

[Amerce]

I should think you can take out at least half the water without bother, the bacteria is in your filter and gravel (if you have it) not the water, as for any food residue just leave off feeding them for a day or so it won't harm them they will pick up whatever food is still lying around the tank.

 

[DJ ArKaDaRkA]

My 3 year old decided to help me feed the fish and when i left the room for a minute she put about 2 tablespoons of flakes into the tank,the tank was clouded in flakes.So i got the pump out and pumped out about a 3rd of the water and got most of it,but there is still flakes around.i didnt want to take out more water in case i removed too much good bacteria.Is it safe to leave it as it is or do i need to do something else,i have 2 discus 4 male yuppies and about 8 neon tetras...thanks

do you have a gravel vac?

if not they are quite easy to make check out youtube.

 

[raptorrex]

My 3 year old decided to help me feed the fish and when i left the room for a minute she put about 2 tablespoons of flakes into the tank,the tank was clouded in flakes.So i got the pump out and pumped out about a 3rd of the water and got most of it,but there is still flakes around.i didnt want to take out more water in case i removed too much good bacteria.Is it safe to leave it as it is or do i need to do something else,i have 2 discus 4 male yuppies and about 8 neon tetras...thanks

get a test kit, and do water changes, daily (50%min), till the ammonia is back to where it should be. removing all the water will not effect your bacteria (they should be in your filter), but may well stress your fish. if the ammonia goes up, they will be stressed enough, already.

 

[bolinao]

Thanks guys i will change the water again tomorrow and check the ammonia levels