[Lightsluvr]

Here are the fish I have in my 95G reef tank w/ 20 gal sump and protein skimmer:
(2) occelaris clownfish
(2) royal gramma
(1) Bangaii Cardinalish
(1) Diamond Watchman goby
(1) Blue Tang
(7) green chromis
Water quality has been stable and consistent with zero ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate. Alkalinity between 3.0 and 3.5, calcium between 375 and 420, MG - 1160-1220.

Now that I have added the 7 chromis a few days ago, I am concerned that I am not feeding enough. I use frozen food alternating between marine cuisine, emerald entree and 50-50. I have also made my own frozen blocks with the above items combines with cyclopeeze and fortified with garlic.

Before adding the chromis I would feed 1/2 block of a frozen food 3-4 times a days, and a small addition of cyclopeeze. Now I am feeding a full block of the food, but the fish finish everything in a matter of two minutes and act like they are still desparate for food.

So with the fish load I have described, all small specimens except the Blue Tang which is about 1-1/2 inches...how much is too much food? Can I judge how much they need based on their behaviour? Can I feed what they can consume in a certain time period?

I don't want to screw up the water chemistry by over-feeding, but I don't want to starve the fish either...

Any thoughts or wisdom out there?

Thanks.

LL

[rlcline76]

Damsels are pigs.
I would be tempted to target feed the watchman so that you are certain some of that food is making it to the bottom. Really, I just make sure everyone got at least one piece and then I stop feeding. You have a bunch of damsels, they have never ending stomaches and will readily take just about anything you give them.

[Lightsluvr]

Originally Posted by rlcline76

Damsels are pigs.
I would be tempted to target feed the watchman so that you are certain some of that food is making it to the bottom. Really, I just make sure everyone got at least one piece and then I stop feeding. You have a bunch of damsels, they have never ending stomaches and will readily take just about anything you give them.

Make sure that everyone has one "piece" ?? Do you mean like one mysis shrimp? Not sure how that would work...

The watchman actually comes up with the Bangaii Cardinalfish to feed. He forages on the rocks more than he used to...of course still filters the sand faithfully...I'll keep an eye on him. Thanks for that insight.

LL

[rlcline76]

Trust me, the damsels you listed for me do not need to be fed daily, so if someone misses out one day, they should be OK for the next. Like I said, I worry more about the shy fish who linger down below most of the time than the open swimmers.

[Lightsluvr]

Originally Posted by rlcline76

Trust me, the damsels you listed for me do not need to be fed daily, so if someone misses out one day, they should be OK for the next. Like I said, I worry more about the shy fish who linger down below most of the time than the open swimmers.

Good to know - thanks.

LL