Angelika

After being told by HatchetHaven of this dilema I have certainly noticed that the platys are more aggresive at feeding time and get to all the food before the hatchefish can get any, and because hatchetfish can only eat from the surface Im now thinking they are definetly not getting their share of food....

How can I ensure they get fed properly, the platys jump on the food so fast... I turn off the filter so the flakes float longer during feeding time and remain at the surface for the poor hungry guys, but even so if they get a bite they are lucky.

Blub

1 way:

Don't mix the two species! You know that you are getting that bigger tank soon? Keep the 20gal, and keep the Platys (And possibly some others) in there and get the hatchets a larger school of 8+ in the big tank!

Angelika

In the meantime.... how shall I ensure the hatchets get some food.... do I put the platys back in with the mean ol angel fish?

mrsmuffin

Can you distract the platys with food at one end of the tank and then feed the hatchets at the other end?

Blub

I have the same problem - it doesn't work!

Shawnie

get a piece of mesh divider and just hold it in during feeding time and then remove it...works well for the skittish fish and keeps the oinkers to one side

Angelika

thankyou shawnie, i will do that at each feeding...

Shawnie

Its a pain...but only takes a second..you can get the mesh at walmart in the craft section..just rince it well with hot water..... I have one tank I have to do that for..but it at least lets me know all the fishies are eating your welcome and goodluck!

Blub

How on earth would you get all the piggies on one side of the tank and the dainty fishes on the other?

Shawnie

lol put a bit of food and the oinkers run to that side

Angelika

haha it worked too!!!! those piggy platys jogged there as soon as the first flake hit the surface..... the hatchets hadnt even turned around by that point... mesh went in and everyone got dinner tonight

COBettaCouple

Glad that you found a solution.

Blub

Cool! Now I have to find a way of doing that without further destroying my aquascape! Algae has already made a pretty good job of it...