- Joined
- Jul 27, 2013
- Messages
- 65
Forgive me if this has been covered elsewhere - I have read numerous threads and articles but have yet to see a decent discussion.
How much and how often should an adult be fed? I currently have one adult in a 120gal tank (previously housed several generations of sepia bandesis, now lowered temp to 65 - I also have added a spongeless canister with Purigen and Phosguard, just for a little extra protection as I am not confident in the survival of bacteria at lower temps!)
He readily accepts just about anything I give him - fresh feeder crabs ("mud crabs", I crush them immediately before feeding so he has an easier time getting the meat), minnows (keep these feedings to a minimum although they were the only food he would initially eat; I suspect he was in an aquarium elsewhere only being fed fish previously based on this habit), and most recently fresh shrimp from the market, soaked in seldom. He also ate a small star in the tank...
What I am trying to understand is if there is a possibility of overfeeding. He seems to happily eat one piece of food a day, only - despite the size. Whether is is a crab (relatively small amount of meat per animal), a minnow (we will call this moderate - fairly meaty bullhead minnows), or a market shrimp (much larger) - he will eat it in its entirety but will not take any more food.
I have read posts suggesting a once a week feeding is sufficient but not a whole lot else on the subject of frequency. Since he is eating daily, I will continue feeding him as such - but would appreciate input from other keepers.
Thanks!
How much and how often should an adult be fed? I currently have one adult in a 120gal tank (previously housed several generations of sepia bandesis, now lowered temp to 65 - I also have added a spongeless canister with Purigen and Phosguard, just for a little extra protection as I am not confident in the survival of bacteria at lower temps!)
He readily accepts just about anything I give him - fresh feeder crabs ("mud crabs", I crush them immediately before feeding so he has an easier time getting the meat), minnows (keep these feedings to a minimum although they were the only food he would initially eat; I suspect he was in an aquarium elsewhere only being fed fish previously based on this habit), and most recently fresh shrimp from the market, soaked in seldom. He also ate a small star in the tank...
What I am trying to understand is if there is a possibility of overfeeding. He seems to happily eat one piece of food a day, only - despite the size. Whether is is a crab (relatively small amount of meat per animal), a minnow (we will call this moderate - fairly meaty bullhead minnows), or a market shrimp (much larger) - he will eat it in its entirety but will not take any more food.
I have read posts suggesting a once a week feeding is sufficient but not a whole lot else on the subject of frequency. Since he is eating daily, I will continue feeding him as such - but would appreciate input from other keepers.
Thanks!