Feeding

[EastBay]

How do those of you who use overflows feed your fish? I use floating pellets and a food ring but as soon as the fish hit the ring, a lot of the food bounces out and drifts right to the overflow in a matter of seconds. Most of the food is gone in about 20-30 seconds, but a majority of it has floated into the overflow and I'm sure the fish aren't getting enough food, although I do feed them at least twice a day.

Anyone have any ideas? I know sinking food is the answer, but I've been to three different lfs around my house and no one carries it, which I find incredible.

Are sinking pellets sold any more?

 

[knifegill]

On my 20g with my 2" LMB, I installed a kill switch that turns the sump off. I just watch it drain until it's past the notches on the overflow box, then lift the return to kill the siphon. At that point, the bass knows exactly what comes next and pounces anything that enters the tank.

 

[EastBay]

Thanks Knife.
Anyone else? I was thinking about maybe placing some screen or the overflow slits. That would at least allow my fish to find the food before it disappears.

 

[Sarah88]

yeah either turn off the return pump and allow it to drain into the sump until the siphon is broken and then feed, or get sinking pellets. and yeah its hard to find sinking pellets in my area as well, if you have a good lfs you could always ask them to order some. most stores have them on their lists they just dont order new bags because most common keepers are happy with floating but they should order a couple bags if you ask them

 

[cichlid2006]

How do those of you who use overflows feed your fish? I use floating pellets and a food ring but as soon as the fish hit the ring, a lot of the food bounces out and drifts right to the overflow in a matter of seconds. Most of the food is gone in about 20-30 seconds, but a majority of it has floated into the overflow and I'm sure the fish aren't getting enough food, although I do feed them at least twice a day.

Anyone have any ideas? I know sinking food is the answer, but I've been to three different lfs around my house and no one carries it, which I find incredible.

Are sinking pellets sold any more?

ebay is your solution here. buy in bulk and it will reduce postage costs in the longterm.

 

[knifegill]

Thanks Knife.
Anyone else? I was thinking about maybe placing some screen or the overflow slits. That would at least allow my fish to find the food before it disappears.

Too risky if it's right on the slits. A little clogging and you've got a watery mess in the making. Here's what I did to keep the water lettuce away:

It doesn't matter if it clogs because it's not stopping the water from getting to the overflow, just skimming the surface. So this would work for floating pellets.