How do I prevent food filling the tank?

This probably sounds silly but I'm being totally serious when I ask: how do I prevent food from filling the tank? My endlers are pretty messy eaters my gourami is slow so if I put any less than a spoonful into my tank they won't get food! But it gets SO messy. There is food all over the gravel, plants, and decor. What should I do???

 

Turkey baster. Suck up the excess.

Target feed. Feed a little to the endlers and catch the Guarami as it's getting closer.

Only things I got

 

Agreed with Grimund
You could also put in a little at a time. Maybe buy bigger flakes so its not like a bunch of teeny tiny pieces swarming everywhere?

 

Think you feeding far to much (at once).

 

Feed little pinches at a time. Once they eat it all, add some more

 

Try anything but flakes! They're so messy. Try pellets floating and sinking, it'll be easier to clean as well.

Plus you're over feeding with is bad for the fish, bad for the water quality.

 

I used to have a Dwarf Gourami in with my Rainbow Fish. The Rainbows are pretty aggressive eaters, but my DG would get right in there with them and get his share of food. So it may just be a case of your gourami not being hungry enough to mix it up with the other fish. But a hungry, healthy gourami should be able to compete for food.

 

Try anything but flakes! They're so messy. Try pellets floating and sinking, it'll be easier to clean as well.

Plus you're over feeding with is bad for the fish, bad for the water quality.

Agree - I use the "crisps" and "granules" as my basic food (tetra color and hikarI are my go-to brands). Despise flakes.

 

Agree - I use the "crisps" and "granules" as my basic food (tetra color and hikarI are my go-to brands). Despise flakes.

Switch to something they all like. Try pellets.

My Betta is the same, he loathes flakes.