I overfeed my cichlids

[shaung]

i feed my cichlids aroud 6x per day instead of 2-3..

I make sure my water is very clean, I do two water changes per week of around 20-30% each time and filter 650gph in my 55 gallon tank.

I am just wondering if this will have any negative effects on my cichlids.
I feed them shrimp pellets and cichlid sticks.

I plan on getting earthwoms soon because I hear they are very nutritious...

 

[Heathd]

I could accelerate their growth some but it could cause a gastro-intestinal issue. Most of the time overfeeding results in really dirty water/ high ammonia, but if your keeping that in check then that is one thing that wont get em.

 

[flipstylex]

dont overfeed.its better to underfeed than overfeed.

remember in the wild, these fishes have to hunt for food, they can go weeks with no food. imo

 

[BODYDUB]

As long as they finish the food I don't seea problem with it. Just more waste to clean up though............

 

[Oscars]

If your water parameter is good and you do your part on the water changes I think you can over feed from time to time. You will run a high risk on boat though.

 

[tcarswell]

Bloat is a big risk especially for african cichlids. Excess nasties in the water are always a big issue... Even with 2 - 30% water changes. Id say if you insist on feeding them 6 times a day step it up to two 50-60% water changes and monitor nitrates as they will grow with the fish.

 

[scriving]

no reason to do this you will waste alot of cash i feed once a day sometimes once every other day

 

[fisher12889]

How much do you feed at each feeding? Six small feedings (maybe a few pellets each) a day would actually be a good thing, as its more like how they would eat in the wild (fish rarely eat big meals in the wild, usually its a morsel here, a morsel there.)

 

[oscarcrazy]

What type of fish do you have? I see this as being more of a waste of money than anything else. I feed my sa/ca tank about every other day. My african mbuna tank gets fed everyday, but not 6x. Also, don't you want to be able to observe other behaviors rather than begging from your fish?

 

[Larz]

My triggerfish are in my basement office tank and get fed 5-6 very small meals a day. I agree that if their not gorging every time you feed them it should be OK. If their bellys are protruding and distended, that's bad. Several small meals are always better, and if their not starving every time you feed them I think it lowers agression.