[MatthewR]

Ok, I am pretty new at this. I have a 75 G tank, with some LR, and a few fish. I have 3 clowns, 2 different types, and a few damsels that I plan on selling back to the lfs when I get a chance to get there. But I hear people feeding the fish every other day, and switching between freze dried food, frozen food, pelettes, and live food. I even heard something about garlic pelettes yesterday? what is that all about? I am looking for diversity in food for my little guys, and trying to learn ways to get the algae down in my tank.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

The key to feeding seems to be not overdoing it.I am sure that there are some who feed every other day and still over feed.A varied diet is a good thing.Its really hard to recomend an amount.If you feed frozen food,thaw them out on a towel first.And feed the stuff with vitamins soaked into them wether you buy it that way or do it yourself.Take it easy on the flake and use a time rule to start out,all they can eat in 2,5,or 10 seconds.Whichever works.If the nitrates and phosphates start to climb cut back on the time.

[Taras1]

The other questions are 1) whether or not you have a refugium and how much LR and 2) how old your tank is.

The 'fuge once seeded with pod and the like can be a source of food for your tank. Also, the LR in your tank at about 1 - 1 1/2 #'s per gal will host algae and critters which help feed your inhabitants. The best time to assess what's growing is at night - use a small flashlight with a "red" filter. You'd be surprised at what lives in your tank.

[MatthewR]

ok well I have about 60-70 # of LR and no refugium yet, probably next month(plans developing now ) and the tank has been going for about 1 month, but the LR was from someone elses tank, they had to get rid of it, so I got a good deal on it, I am just curious about the fish that mainly.

[Taras1]

Your tank is still very young; algae at this stage is both a problem and a normal part of cycling. As Dale said, be very sparing when feeding. I've used flake foods and notice a slight increase in algae, esp cyanobacter (aka slime) for about 18-24 hours. I stick with frozen foods; there are a number of good combinations by Hikari and Ocean Nutrition.

[gimmito]

I feed twice a day because I keep anthias. I supplement the food I give with seachem's garlic extract and boyd's vitachem.
Spectrum Thera A+ is an excellent pellet food.

I compensate the feedings with agessive skimming and frequent water changes.