Fish eating a lot of algae

[Finthusiast]

Hi I am just wondering if I should feed my fish less than usual if he is eating lots of algae. Just new to this tank and lots of algae has started to grow and now my fish seems to be eating quite a bit imo. I just want to be sure I will not be over feeding him if I feed regularl amounts while he also eats what looks to be quite a bit of algae.

 

[A201]

Its a good thing when fish graze on algae. My Mbuna are constantly grazing on algae. I feed them just enough staple food, that they polish it off in less than a minute. African Cichlids really get after it at meal time. The pellets & flakes rarely hit bottom before its consumed.
You didn't mention what fish varieties you keep, what foods are provided & the amount
served. All those factors come into play when planning an appropriate feeding regime.
As long as the fish aren't bloated and are actively feeding, using the "one minute" suggestion, probably no worries.

 

[Finthusiast]

I got one Mayan cichlid by himself atm and I am feeding him hakari cichlid gold pellets. He is about 4 inches and I feed 3 pellets per day. Here is a pic of how much algae has been eaten so far lol thanks for the input I appreciate the knowledge!


Also forgot to mention the algae was hardly touched and then the next day most of the missing algae had been eaten over night and through the next day so I fed only 3 pellets and even fasted him one day. I also feed him live ghost shrimp about once per week only one shrimp and then maybe 2 pellets

 

[Finthusiast]

A201 beautiful fish in your profile picture is that a red terror? Im pretty new to fish keeping not too familiar with many species. Very cool looking fish

 

[Supergeorge123]

If you want him to eat the algae you could reduce feedings and he will likely clean up the tank for you fairly quickly. Eating the algae itself should not cause him any harm though.

 

[Finthusiast]

Righto I was actually a little bummed by how much algae he ate lol but its good to know it wont hurt him I was just worried about over feeding but I guess as long as I pay attention to his gut we should be ok. I have been trying to promote the algae growth and if there is a way to turn it from brown to green Id really like that lol but no worries about him eatin it whatever makes my fish happy happy thanksgiving by the way!

 

[A201]

My avatar is in fact a female Red Terror. One of the best fish I ever kept. A very close cousin to your Mayan.
Looks like you are doing a really good job & nice looking tank.

 

[Finthusiast]

Thanks for the compliment! I have also really enjoyed caring for this guy, full of personality ime. It is actually the first fish I have really ever cared for thanks to the guys a gals around these forums he is as healthy as can be! Thanks again for the help Ill post back in the near future with updates as he grows. Supposed to get to be pretty big lol