How to Feed a Tropical Marine Tank Enough
Feeding Saltwater Aquarium Fishes More Without Elevating Nutrients
Mar 10, 2009
New marine aquarists are often warned against feeding their tropical marine fishes too much. Excessive feeding introduces nutrients into the system which, if not filtered out in a timely manner, will lead to problems ranging from nuisance algae to the death of animals. Unfortunately, too many aquarists go to the other extreme and feed too little. Over time, this can easily result in malnourished fishes, behavioral problems and even death.
Excessive Nutrients in a Marine Aquarium
If the marine aquarist is measuring elevated levels of nutrients (e.g., elevated nitrates) in his or her tank, then the system’s filtration capacity is not large enough to handle the level of nutrients. The reason for this is that the amount of nutrients removed is directly proportional to the size and effectiveness of the various filters. Increasing the system’s filtration capacity is not the only answer though.
Many systems with high nutrient levels suffer from poor husbandry, and it is here—with daily husbandry practices—that the aquarist should begin to look for a solution. Many things can cause elevated nutrient levels in a marine aquarium. A dead fish, infrequent water changes and poor filter maintenance are some of the most common causes. The trend, however, is to blame overfeeding as the source of elevated nutrients.
Dangers of Reducing Feeding Frequency
There is no doubt that overfeeding a system (especially if the food is of poor quality) can cause elevated nutrients in an otherwise healthy and well maintained system, but decreasing the frequency of feeding until nutrient levels drop can be just as dangerous to your fishes. Feeding once a day or perhaps even only a couple times a week may well take care of the excessive nutrients, but it is categorically not good for most reef fishes.
Marine Fishes’ Feeding Behavior
It’s important to understand that most tropical marine animals feed continually in the wild. In other words, they are constantly and actively feeding in the water column, grazing on marine algae or filtering food from the water. When the aquarist reduces the frequency of feeding to only once a day or less, he or she is severely altering the animals’ behavioral profile, especially in a new aquarium. While the aquarist may delight at his or her fish’s pet-like behavior “begging for food” at “dinner time,” such behavior is not natural and may have negative consequences (e.g., excessive aggression, pacing, etc.).
Properly Feeding a Tropical Marine Aquarium
Feeding frequency is more important than the amount fed, and nearly all fishes benefit from more frequent, smaller feedings. Aim for three to five feedings per day and only feed as much as will be fully consumed in a couple minutes. Make sure to target feed more timid animals like jawfishes at least once a day (preferable twice).
If increasing the feeding frequency to small meals three to five times a day—in conjunction with other good husbandry practices like frequent water changes and filter maintenance—still causes elevated nutrient levels, then the aquarist should probably either reduce the overall bioload in the tank (fewer animals) or increase the filtration capacity. These options are much better for the tank overall than reducing the feeding frequency.
Exceptions to Frequent Feedings in a Saltwater Aquarium
There are exceptions to the rule of feeding this frequently. For example, some predators like various eels and lionfishes should not be fed as frequently. Likewise, many corals and other invertebrates will benefit from target feedings several times a week instead of multiple times a day. It is most important for aquarists to research any animal before they acquire it and be sure they can meet the animal’s needs.
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