Tips on feeding in the display tank?

[huckjai]

Hey Reefers.

This may seem like a dumb question, but anyone have any tips on how to feed fish in the display tank? I guess mainly when the livestock is low.

New to reefing and I'm quarantining fish in a 5 gallon tank and easy to feed them.

I have a 95 gallon peninsula, 54 inches long. I currently have 2 clowns in there and they are easy to spot feed. Also have 2 urchins, 2 cleaner shrimp, 4 hermit crabs, 6 snails.

I just added a diamond goby today. Do I need to spot feed him as well? Or just let him forage for food?

Also the clowns like to stay in one area. If I don't spot feed them, will they go around looking for food?

As I add more fish in, just wondering how everyone gets fed properly. Just dump food in and let everyone fend for themselves?

Thank you for your time.

 

[Katrina71]

I keep powerheads and filter on while feeding. I have found it triggers a natural feeding response and everyone gets fed.

 

[huckjai]

I keep powerheads and filter on while feeding. I have found it triggers a natural feeding response and everyone gets fed.

I may give that a try. I've been turning off the power head during spot feedings the clown. But maybe I should just add a bit more food. My bioload may be too low. Not really getting any new algae growing on the rocks.

 

[Katrina71]

You'll get algae in due time I'm sure. What is your nitrate level?

 

[huckjai]

I last tested water a week ago. Will be testing again tomorrow. Last week it was at 0. But not sure how accurate the API test kit is. Is there a a better one?

Also, I didn't have a light for my tank last week and I have a small ball of chaeto in my fuge for copepods, so that might be taking the nutrients.

Just got a light yesterday, so that might help with some algae growth. Need some algae for my urchins and CUC. I've been putting nori sheets for the urchins.

 

[Katrina71]

Feed until your nitrates rise a little. You might need to reduce the size of chaeto/length of time you light it.

 

[lapin]

.... I didn't have a light for my tank last week and I have a small ball of chaeto in my fuge for copepods, so that might be taking the nutrients.

Just got a light yesterday, so that might help with some algae growth. Need some algae for my urchins and CUC. I've been putting nori sheets for the urchins.

Algae needs light. With a light your tank will turn green.
I see form your other posts you have started with live rock. It will process any extra ammonia form over feeding. So as @Katrina71 says feed a bit more.

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Not a dumb question at all! You don’t want your food going into spaces where it can decay and become detritus. I spot feed all my fish and the little scraps leftover the cuc finishes.

 

[huckjai]

Algae needs light. With a light your tank will turn green.
I see form your other posts you have started with live rock. It will process any extra ammonia form over feeding. So as @Katrina71 says feed a bit more.

Thanks! Will start adding more food and test more often. What nitrate levels should I be aiming at after I have decent algae growth?

 

[lapin]

I keep my tank at 4 to 5 Nitrate and .05 to 0.1 Phosphate
All tanks are different. You will find a good range for your tank to be in where it is happy.