Issues from overfeeding

Hey everyone,

Can you tell me ALL the problems that can arise from overfeeding your fish?

PS: as a side question, here is my particular case: I'm not worried about water quality thanks to my awesome drip system and filter setup. I feed smallish amounts but many times a day such that not all rasboras seem interested in food at each feeding, the Molly is always eating, the Betta chases after one or two pellets as they float by, and the shrimps take care of the rest. Usually there isn't anything big left after 5 minutes. Small particles remaining are for the smaller shrimps and to occupy the Molly. So am I overfeeding?

 

Having food in the tank 5 minutes after you added it makes it seem like you're overfeeding.

 

Having food in the tank 5 minutes after you added it makes it seem like you're overfeeding.

Yep that's what I thought (actually what my girlfriend thought). And that's why I'm asking about all the issues that can arise from it. I usually hear about higher nitrogen derivatives but I'm not too worried about this thanks to my setup, so what else?

Also I'm feeding this much because I'm worried that either my shrimps won't get any of it if the rasboras eat it all before it reaches the bottom of the tank or my Betta will find himself a little hungry between meals and go on a hunt for some shrimp snack.

 

Overfeeding in any animal can lead to health issues. Lots of research around this, but I don't have specific issues in mind. I can try to find some papers, if you want.

That's one of the issues with having bettas in community tanks - often you have to overfeed the rest of your fish, which definitely isn't healthy for them. I'd keep him in a separate tank, personally.

And your shrimp will feed on detritus and microorganisms growing on the plants. They really don't need much, only an amount equal to their eye size.

 

I'm fine with him eating some shrimps, but the colonies are just starting back from a filter incident a few weeks back and for now I wanted to be on the safe side. And he's not much of a hunter anyhow, being a shy half-moon!

 

Hello Flor...

Feeding too much will make your fish fat. This generally leads to liver disease and a much shorter lifespan. A bigger problem from feeding too much is the increase in fish waste material. The material dissolves in the tank water and you have ammonia. The main killer of aquarium fish. Fish can only eat so much, so uneaten food drops to the bottom of the tank and rots. So, you have another ammonia source.

This about covers things.

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