The Fish's Eye Feeding Rule Question.

[ColR1948]

I read on another forum someone said if for example you have 10 fish, then estimate 10 x the fish's eye in the amount of food and that is enough for the day, because the fish's stomach is the size of it's eye.

Now to me this seems wrong, some of you feed twice a day, I've read and also seen it myself where the fish have been ravenous and later in the day when approaching the tank they all come to glass thinking it more food, sometimes I have put a bit in and it all goes.

So am I/we overfeeding or is this rule a load of ...

 

[CezzaXV]

It's a general guideline to follow.

When we eat, we eat enough and then we feel full. Fish don't have that. They will literally eat themselves to death if you give them enough food, so I wouldnt worry about them seeming hungry because they always seem hungry!

 

[DreamertK]

They can get constipated if they eat too much bad quality food (in one sitting) as well, and that can certainly lead to death.

There are other rules like "only feed what they eat in 2 min", ext. You can do more small feedings throughout the day, sure. Most of the rules are probably just as a safety net for uneatten foods turning into ammonia in the tank.

Try out different things - find out what works best with your fish.

 

[ColR1948]

Yes I do, it was just that I have never heard that eye rule before.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I do a size of portion for my fish, but it also depends on the type of food so the rule doesn't work the same for all food... for example I feed them round flakes the size of their heads, but if I am feeding something more solid or energy packed like a blood worm, I feed them a lot less than the size of their head, maybe 1 worm each. I feed mine 2 times a day.

 

[raptorrex]

feed only so much food, that its all eaten in around 3-5 minutes. (opinions varie. and 5 mins works for me)
you can find out how much food that is, by watching you fish eat.

insert comment sound and made by TV Suricata suricatta

 

[ColR1948]

Well I do only feed what I think is a small amount and it all goes in a few minutes but I was just referring to this eye rule in which case I'm overfeeding.
I understand what you are all saying as I do the same but after reading this it made me think am I doing it wrong?

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Depends what kind of fish you have as well. I don't think the "rules" necessarily work for all fish.

 

[Squidward]

It also depends on how old the fish are.
Youngsters need more food because the are growing.