i have 6, 1'' cichlids. i was wondering how many small pellets they should eat? and how many times a day?

Question

my tank is 55 gallon w/ ph lvl 8.2, it has a nice rocky back ground, i already soak the pellets in like a 1/2 cup of water and let them swell, then they sink to the bottom, which the rip up easy

Answer 1

It depends on the type of cichlid you have and what size the pellets are. If you buy the Hikari Cichlid Gold food (link:http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441778043&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030127&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1165969809226&itemNo=0&In=Fish&N=2030127&Ne=2), then you want to get the mini pellets, and they should have about 2-3 pellets each, one time per day. They will always act hungry even though they aren't, so don't be tempted to over feed them. Fish actually do not feel hunger and most can go for a couple of weeks without food and will be just fine. Also, if your fish are African cichlids (there are also South American cichlids), then you can buy a special food, HBH African Cichlid Attack, that is made just for them and is great for both the herbivores and the carnivores. (link: http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441777213&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030127&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1165970079173&itemNo=11&In=Fish&N=2030127&Ne=2). Just keep in mind that a fish's stomach is about the size of its eyeball, so increase the amount of food as needed as your fish grow. Good luck!

Answer 2

Once a day like normal fish I'd say. I would break the pellets into smaller bits for them. Or depending on their age, try feeding flake or fry food. But as far as how many each fish should eat really isn't controllable. The fish will eat what it wants. As long as you provide what is needed for them, they will do fine. I'd love to know what size tank you have because depending on the type of cichlids, these guys can get nasty, and HUGE. For 6 you'll need a ton of space so they don't kill each other over territory...

Answer 3

I recommend feeding what the fish will consume in 3 minutes twice per day.
But just as importantly, I recommend with pellets in particular, but even with flakes to soak your food in water for 5 minutes prior to feeding. This softens the pellet, but more importantly prevents air from being released in the digestive tract and causing gas and infections.

For more feeding information, please see this article:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Quality_Fish_Food.html

Answer 4

1 inch fish flakes