feeding thread

[michelle]

I noticed in Biff's "RIP lenny the Blenny" thread, some talk about cutting back on feedings to once every couple or three days.
Here's what I've been wondering~ I have a copperband and 2 anthias. I actually feed small portions 3 times a day, because I am worried about these guys. The copperband eats whenever it is offered but only the mysis, brine or mussels, and the Anthias are fine, but, I have read that they have a high metabolism and can starve if not fed frequently.
Any thoughts on this? I (as I have mentioned in another thread) battle phosphates, and I am sure the amount of feeding is the main problem, but I am scared to cut it back.
I love the thought of an easier to maintain tank though.
How often do you guys feed? Do any of you have a copperband? and REEFFREAK how are your anthias for feeding and the whole metabolism thing?
Thanks

[yote]

From what I've with the CBB I had,They are a lot like mandrines.They'll take SOME frozen foods,but actully rely more on the pods and aiptasia anemones for food.

[dustin_P74]

the thing with anthias is you really wanna feed them three times a day for a couple months after you buy them because they are half starved to death at the LFS because the LFS can only feed them once maybe twice a day, but once you have had them for a while and they are all nice and fat you can probably get away with once a day or every other day as long as you watch them to make sure they arent starving

[michelle]

my CBB is the piggest pig in my tank. He eats his favorites right out of my had, I hope he is getting enough though
My anthias seem to be ok, but they certainly are a very active fish, and have a hardy appetite

[reeffreak]

What kind of anthias do you have again,Michelle?

I seriously believe if they are bartletts or lyretails than you can reduce to once a day...especially if they are eating larger foods(mysis etc).I'm still feeding two to three times a day,not because of the bartletts and lyretails,it's because of the harder to keep dispars and carberryi.Give it a try,if they start looking thin(which can happen surprisingly fast)then go back to the norm.

[michelle]

thanks reeffreak, They are bartlets. I LOVE THEM! they are my new favorite fish. active and gorgeous coloring!

[reeffreak]

They do have stunning coloration,good luck with them.

Hyper little fishes!

[Bifferwine]

I have 4 anthias -- dispar, lyretail and one fathead (sunburst). All have been doing okay since I cut back to feeding once every 3 days (I cut back several months ago). BUT, I do have a large tank with tons of live food, and a large fuge. If you don't have those things as backup, I'd not suggest cutting back as drastically as I have.