Pellets too big for clowns?

[snk_anindya]

Guys,
I bought a pair of clowns yesterday. They are the first fish in my 70 gallon tank. They are just about one inch long. The NLS marine formula that I use seem to be too big for them. So I try to crush the pellets and drop the peices in water. But still, the bigger one seems to take the peices more readily. The smaller clown just swims close to the sinking food but ignores it. Sometimes it takes a piece in its mouth and immediately spits it out.

Is there something I can do to make it take the food?

They both seem to be healthy and active.

 

[Brewski262]

Did you see the fish eat where you bought them?

You could try feeding a smaller pellet, being a brand new addition to the tank, it may take a little bit for them to eat regularly as they are probably stressed and getting used to their new home.

 

[Brewski262]

Did you see the fish eat where you bought them?

You could try feeding a smaller pellet, being a brand new addition to the tank, it may take a little bit for them to eat regularly as they are probably stressed and getting used to their new home.

I've also had fish eat literally 1 hour after acclimating and I've also had fish not eat for almost 4 days.

 

[snk_anindya]

Did you see the fish eat where you bought them?

You could try feeding a smaller pellet, being a brand new addition to the tank, it may take a little bit for them to eat regularly as they are probably stressed and getting used to their new home.

Yes.. They were eating at the LFS. The bigger one seems to be eating a few bits. But the smaller one seems to be a bit picky. Also, the smaller one get slightly harassed by the big one.

What I wanted to know was whether it's common for them to take some bits in their mouth and immediately spit out? Does it mean he's not liking it? And can I do something about it?

 

[ReefdudeAdam]

Yes.. They were eating at the LFS. The bigger one seems to be eating a few bits. But the smaller one seems to be a bit picky. Also, the smaller one get slightly harassed by the big one.

What I wanted to know was whether it's common for them to take some bits in their mouth and immediately spit out? Does it mean he's not liking it? And can I do something about it?

Are you set on only using pellets..? Try a small amount of frozen food maybe?

 

[minus9]

LRS and TDO chromaboost (small) will get them going. I use NLS in my auto feeder and my fish will eat it, but as soon as I drop some TDO in there, they go nuts for it. It's amazing to watch them dodge all of my corals to chase down one pellet.
Sometimes you'll have to try different foods to see what works for your fish, but maybe the smaller clown is just getting adjusted to its new environment? Also, call the LFS and ask them what they were feeding?

 

[JumboShrimp]

If he is very tiny, maybe add some brine (not mysis) shrimp until he watches the other Clown more, and gets with the program.

 

[IE Reefer]

Guys,
I bought a pair of clowns yesterday. They are the first fish in my 70 gallon tank. They are just about one inch long. The NLS marine formula that I use seem to be too big for them. So I try to crush the pellets and drop the peices in water. But still, the bigger one seems to take the peices more readily. The smaller clown just swims close to the sinking food but ignores it. Sometimes it takes a piece in its mouth and immediately spits it out.

Is there something I can do to make it take the food?

They both seem to be healthy and active.

I wouldn't really recommend pellets for feeding fish, preferably I would feed Mysis/brine shrimp, and here's why. Each type of food has a certain amount of protein and fat in them that gives them energy and keeps them full for the rest of the day or until you feed them again. With pellets, it's more of a fast-food item for them to eat (I'm not sure what brand of pellets you use) which has little to no protein or fat in them. With Mysis/brine shrimp they have 30-70% of protein (varies per type of shrimp and brand). BRS tv has a video all about types of food to feed your fish and I would recommend watching it to find the best type of food for your condition.

 

[Brewski262]

I wouldn't really recommend pellets for feeding fish, preferably I would feed Mysis/brine shrimp, and here's why. Each type of food has a certain amount of protein and fat in them that gives them energy and keeps them full for the rest of the day or until you feed them again. With pellets, it's more of a fast-food item for them to eat (I'm not sure what brand of pellets you use) which has little to no protein or fat in them. With Mysis/brine shrimp they have 30-70% of protein (varies per type of shrimp and brand). BRS tv has a video all about types of food to feed your fish and I would recommend watching it to find the best type of food for your condition.

Both have pros and cons. I use pellets 95% of the time to help control the amount of nutrients I add to the tank, especially for only having 2 fish. I feed frozen as a treat, sickness or coaxing picky eaters.

 

[minus9]

TDO has 49% protein and is used by a lot of breeders, mostly clowns.

 

[snk_anindya]

Guys,
Thanks for your replies.
They have both started to eat well now. But I suppose the nls is bit big and hard for them. I am using fresh water tetra bits temporarily. They seem to like it.

I also ordered the sustainable aquatics pellets since I heard some good things about it. What do you think?
But the one I find in my area is called "clearly complete" by sustainable aquatics. Hope it's the same pellet, just with different branding.