[thelastmucci]

Hi all,
I don't have a tank up yet but again trying to due as much research as possible before the "big day" I've looked at lots of things and really have no clue as to what to feed my fishy little friends. I just read the post about garlic but have no idea what that does/is for the fish. As far as inverts and corals, I am at a loss. No idea what to feed them other than photoplankton. What's with the turkey baster too...I've read that should be used...used to do what exactly. I assume some of you use pellets of some sort for your fish...if so what kind. Does LR need any supplements specifically calcium, stronynium, and that "M" one. Or is this just for corals. I'm really quite confused on all this and would like some sort of clarification in this dept. Not trying to be a bugger but can't seem to find anything in any of the books I've read only not to feed too much. Also basic stuff like brine shrimp and photoplankton. Can fish/corals/inverts live off such a diet. The last thing I want is food rotting in my tank but I really don't know how much to feed, when to feed, and if to feed certain things. Any and all help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[rlcline76]

OK, lets back up.
Your LR organisms will need nothing special. Many of the organisms like the feather duster worms that we all get on our rocks will filter feed the plankton based foods we feed our larger invertebrates. Don't worry about the rock, unless you get a really cool hitchhiker!

Fish food. Most fish prefer a variety and I like frozen food. In my freezer right now, I have squid, spirulina, mysis, silversides, baby brine...whatever. I also have tiggerpods in my fridge. I do not use dry or flake foods.

I soak my food in Kents Garlic Extreme and Kents Zoe vitamin supplement. These help with their immune system and the vitamins can help with their coloration, as well.

Coral foods are going to depend on what you want in the tank. You will need to do your homework on that because they are not all planktivorous eaters, many like meat! Your fish and clean up crew will like that as well!

[thelastmucci]

thanks Becky.....once I get a more solid idea of what kind of corals I want I'll get back to you (after doing my homework of course.) One question though is it frozen squid that you buy at the supermarket or is there a fish type.

[e_baer]

I use formula one and two flakes. with the twice a week phytoplankton.

[thelastmucci]

Hey elliott what is formula one and two flakes...are you saying two diffrent kinds of flakes or is that the brand. Also what brand phytoplankton do you use?

[Ganrin]

Formula One and Formula Two are carnivore/herbivore foods made by Ocean Nutrition, available in both flake and frozen forms.

[rlcline76]

Originally Posted by thelastmucci

thanks Becky.....once I get a more solid idea of what kind of corals I want I'll get back to you (after doing my homework of course.) One question though is it frozen squid that you buy at the supermarket or is there a fish type.

I buy it at the LFS.

And no one asked me, but you know I will say whatever I want anyway...I have been known to use phytofeast from Welcome to Reef Nutrition (smells really good). You can get Marine Snow at LFS here and there. And when I feel really frisky, I have been known to use Kents ZooPlex.

[e_baer]

as ganrin said, they are the carnivor and herbivor flakes/pellets/frozen.
i have the flakes.

i use kent marine phytoplankton

[thelastmucci]

thanks all....I'm assuming you all follow the 3 minute rule; whatever isn't eaten in 3 minutes is taken out. Or am I waaay off. I'm off to take a test on Vietnam....hopefully I'll squeak by. Talk to you all later

[rlcline76]

If you have food floating around in your tank after 3 minutes, just feed a little less next time. Don't worry about getting it out of the tank.

[e_baer]

thats what a cleanup crew is for.

[thelastmucci]

good point guys...I always forget that I'm going to have a CuC...silly antny.