Fish feeding
One of the most important aspects of managing an aquarium. Proper nutrition keeps fish healthy and reduces water pollution.
Detailed explanation
The golden rule of nutrition is simple: give less than you think is right. The most common mistake made by beginners is overfeeding. Uneaten food decomposes, producing ammonia and fueling algae growth.
The correct amount is that which the fish consume completely in 2-3 minutes. If after 3 minutes there is still food on the bottom you have given too much.
Variety is key. A good quality dry food (flakes or granules) can be the basis but must be integrated with frozen food (artemia, mysis, bloodworms, daphnia) and occasionally live food.
Herbivorous fish (such as Plecostomus, Otocinclus, marine Tang) need algae and plants. Spirulina tablets, blanched courgette or cucumber slices, spinach leaves are excellent supplements.
Predators (such as large cichlids) require animal protein. Shrimps, small fish, insects are their natural diet. Avoid beef heart and other mammalian meats: they contain fats that fish cannot digest.
For corals, nutrition depends on the type. SPS feed predominantly on phytoplankton and through zooxanthellae. LPS appreciate direct feeding with mysis or specific feeds.
One day weekly fasting is beneficial. It allows the digestive system to rest and reduces the organic load in the aquarium.
On holiday, a carefully calibrated vending machine is better than asking a friend who risks overfeeding.
Coralia Lab monitors this parameter with AI diagnostics. Tank Score alerts you when a value moves outside the recommended range for your aquarium.
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