Feedings

[photo64]

I feed my tank cytopleeze(one squirt), and brine shrimp (like half a frozen cube) once a week. I have a maxima clam, a sandsifting goby, another small goby and some corals(if you really want to know I can list them in the next post).

I asked some people and majority say once a week for a ten gallon, every thing seems to be great. Just wanted to get the forums opinion of if this is enough food or do I need to up thje doseage.

 

[Kris]

I personally would up the dosage to 3 times a week or 2 times and feed no more than what the fish eat. This is just my personal preference and feel this is a more natural method.

YMMV tho.

 

[djconn]

I feel that more frequent BUT less quantity feedings would be better for the overall health of your corals. In the ocean, corals are constantly feeding so I guess we should strive to manipulate their natural feeding habits.

Anyone else?

 

[Iceburg98]

I would also say more often, but less food per feeding. Basically so you're feeding the same overall amount each week, but stretched over 3-4 feedings...

 

[shaggydoo541]

I agree w/ you guys especially when it comes to feeding fish. I have noticed that my clowns crap out the food they are eating usually while they are still feeding or just minutes afterwards. In nature they are constantly eating small amounts all day and aren't used or built to handle large feedings as well as small ones. I try to feed 3-5 times a week but don't put in much food. Still w/ feeding this much you are going to have to keep up on your maintenance and I do large weekly water changes so I don't have any nitrate problems.

 

[incysor]

I'd say feed every 2-3 days, and just use smaller portions. You should also be feeding some type of phytoplankton if you've got a clam. DT's, and bioplankton are the two top products out right now.

B

 

[djconn]

I was at a LFS store here in SA a few weeks ago and I got into an argument with their saltwater manager. He swore up and down that clams didn't need phytoplankton when I asked what he fed his. He said he's read every book on clams in their store and that phytoplankton would 'choke' them.

I just laughed and asked them what they ate. He never gave me an answer. :bash:

 

[incysor]

Wow...I guess you won't be taking any pointers/advice from anyone in that store.
:roll:

B

 

[shaggydoo541]

I read that clams only eat phyto up to a certain size/age. Once they mature enough and their mantles get big enough they are able to sustain themselves solely off nutrients from the water column and mainly photosynthesis. I don't know if thats true or not but it seems to be the consensus that I've read about when researching clams.

All I've ever heard is only baby clams require phyto, anyone know if thats true or could guide me to an article explaining this? I am just wondering because I am planning on upgrading my tank and getting MH and shortly after will probably get a maxima or crocea (sp?)

 

[Kris]

Your conclusions are correct. Baby clams need phyto. Larger clams don't need food. They do, but you know what I mean.

 

[shaggydoo541]

Right I understand they don't need large doses of DT's or anything like that once they get bigger. Thanks.

 

[incysor]

http://www.clamsdirect.com

Hit their forums. My understanding is that adults also need phyto, just not nearly as much, and that it differ from species to species as to how much they need. I'm not keeping clams right now, or I'd be able to point you at specific threads/info.

B

 

[Lawngnome]

wuts dt?

 

[shaggydoo541]

DT is a brand of phytoplankton