sensory overload...

[Magnum Man]

so, life has been really busy lately, and I recently had to skip 2 days without feeding... I have 2 tanks, both standard 55 gallons, that are what most would consider overstocked... both have between 30 and 50 fish in them... one full of South American Tetras, the other my Hillstream tank... looking at the tetra tank, because they are shoaling fish, most are visible all the time, but the Hillstream tank has many varieties, some singles, with 5 being the highest number of any species ( both the Denison Barbs, and Panda Garras, are at 5 each ) coincidentally the Denisions, and Garras, are highly active, and thus most visible... most of the Hillstream loaches are more solitary, and there are lots of places to hide... skipping 2 days feeding, brings everyone out at the same time... both of these tanks sit beside each other, so I end up with an 8 foot wall, with what looks like 100 fish actively eating... a truly impressive sight... I don't like to skip 2 days between feedings, but neither of these tanks have fry, and I don't think it hurts them once in a while, and no fish looks worse for wear and tear...

most are done eating already

 

[Innesfan]

I don't like to skip 2 days between feedings, but neither of these tanks have fry, and I don't think it hurts them once in a while, and no fish looks worse for wear and tear...

most are done eating already
View attachment 372795

Many people fast fish one day a week--I do not--and I have found that not feeding for short periods when I'm away for business or vacation does no harm at all. So don't worry about a two-day fast.

 

[anewbie]

Most fishes can go a week without eating - my concern and it is a false concern is that big fishes will eat small fishes if i don't keep them well fed. In truth big fishes will eat small fishes even if they are over-fed.

I feed most of my fishes once a day 'cept for young fishes and discus they get fed twice as a day. I made the mistake of putting in some 2 inch geo with the discus and they are annoying little brats. They were sold as cf winemilleri though at 3ish inches (they grow fast) they lack the colour of winemilleri and friends. They have no problem grabbing food out of the discus mouth which is most annoying.

 

[sharkweek178]

Many people fast fish one day a week--I do not--and I have found that not feeding for short periods when I'm away for business or vacation does no harm at all. So don't worry about a two-day fast.

I do two or three days a week. Not only do fasting days do no harm, they're actually beneficial. Fish aren't like us. They're cold blooded. So they don't need the calories to maintain their body temperature. That's the evolutionary tradeoff that cold blooded animals make. They don't adjust to temps outside of their natural range but the benefit is that they don't need to eat as much. Fish digestive systems aren't designed to constantly be working like ours. Fasting days benefit fish. It helps them sort of clear out their digestive systems. And it also helps prevent the fish from consuming excess calories.

 

[gwand]

I feed my fish on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The exceptions are fry and juveniles; when I am planning to be away for a week; and when I want a pair to spawn.

 

[anewbie]

I feed my fish on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The exceptions are fry and juveniles; when I am planning to be away for a week; and when I want a pair to spawn.

My geo throw a fit and i mean a visble noisy fit if i am late feeding them in the morning. They have me well trained.