Feeding A Varied Diet; How Much Is Too Much?

So, I'm almost two years into the hobby, and I'm really getting into it. Two tanks, and over 40 inhabitants combined. Now that I'm getting more into the hobby, and learning more, having more success, etc. I thought it was an appropriate time to put some thought into learning more about fish foods, and providing a better diet for my fish. I keep reading that feeding a varied diet is good, but I'm wondering how much variety is too much (because I've also heard/read a bit on how it's also good to keep it simple, and focus on feeding a food that your fish like). I'm also wondering if feeding a varied diet means you need to feed one food one day, and one the next, etc. or if combining a few different types of foods together, and feeding the mixture every day is just as effective (I find this easier). Any opinions are appreciated. I'll include just a bit more info below.

Currently, I feed Sera Flakes (it's their general tropical fish flakes) and NLS pellets. I combine the two, and I feed my 100 gallon tank two times per day (1 Featherfin Catfish, 1 Red Spot Gold Severum, 2 Blood Parrots, 2 Synodontis Valentiana, 3 Nerite Snails, 8 mixed Rainbowfish, 9 Congo Tetras), and my 29 gallon once per day (1 Angelfish, 1 Keyhole Cichlid, 1 Clown Pleco, 2 Nerite Snails, 4 Fancy Male Guppies, 9 Harlequin Rasboras). I also feed 2 sinking catfish wafers (Hikari) every other day in my 100, and 1 algae wafer (Hikari) every other day in my 29 for the Clown Pleco. So far, the Clown won't touch fresh veggies that I've offered overnight at times. Lastly, once per week, I don't feed any of the above, and I feed bloodworms once. I've read that Rainbowfish do well on a veggie flake. I know there are cichlid pellets, etc. I also know that I can't be sure the cichlids will eat the cichlid pellets, etc. So, these are a few of the reasons why I ask the question of how much is too much?

 

I don't think its too much as long as you don't feed them too much at once. its good to have a variety of foods so they don't get bored of them and will allow them to get the vitamins and minerals they need easier

 

My feeling on feeding fish isn't much different than our other pets. A good healthy either pellet or flake (depending on what fish you have) ad their normal diet and treats once or twice a week. Ex blood worms, black worms things like that. If you have different fish with different needs you have to cater to everyones needs. I feed my bettas mostly flake food but also drop a few big pellets for the cories.

 

Thanks for the replies! So, does anyone have any thoughts on if I should mix a few different types and feed the mixture daily, or if I really need to rotate day to day if I'm going to feed a variety of foods?

 

I think your mix of foods would be better with your current stocking.

 

Just keep it simple. There’s no wrong way or right way to do it. Try not to overfeed, which I think is the biggest problem most fishkeepers do.

 

david1978, thanks for the reply, but I don't quite get what you're trying to say.

Speaking of over feeding, how does one know if they're over feeding? I've heard everything from feed an amount that will be eaten in 30 seconds all the way to 5 minutes. Obviously, those extremes aren't even close!

 

30 sec to a minute sounds about right. I usually feed once a day. Two times on occasion. Some fish will peck at algae inbetween feedings.

 

I would feed some pellet and flakes everyday to meet your different fishes needs. I go with about a minute time twice a day.

 

Thanks! So you guys think I should keep things as is? General tropical flake and NLS pellets? No need for veggie flakes, or cichlid specific food?

 

They could be the treats

 

Gotcha, ok. See, part of me thinks I should add them for certain fish. But, another part of me is skeptical about whether the correct fish will get the correct foods. And, of course, I'm over thinking it. I always do that.

 

Don't worry the fish will figure it out. Lol

 

Good deal!

 

Hey, all. Just wanted to add a question since I'm not yet too versed on reading fish food labels.

Would folks say that Sera Tropical Flakes, or Fluval Bug Bites is the better food, and why? Also, how would each of these foods be rated, overall (low quality, high quality, top shelf, etc.)?