Newbie, how much to feed and how often, platy

**Foxy78** · 12-15-2012, 10:40 PM

Hi. We just started our tank with 6 platys, the tank has been cycled and they are very happy. We have had them for 4 days now and have been feeding them once a day, flake food, about 1-2 flakes per fish. They gobble it up immediately and continue to look for more. I am wondering if they need more food. Should we feed twice a day this much? Feed them until they are not interested any longer, etc.

Thank you,
Paul

**jeffs99dime** · 12-15-2012, 11:27 PM

Once a day and only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, max. Also, their diet should be varied, as with all fish.

**vafa** · 12-16-2012, 06:15 AM

i would say each fish needs 3-4 flakes so give a little more but only once a day
good luck

**Goes to 11!** · 12-16-2012, 07:32 AM

"Flakes" is not a measure of any sort.

Originally Posted by jeffs99dime

Once a day and only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, max. Also, their diet should be varied, as with all fish.

+1 I do similar.
Twice a day, Only what they can consume in a minute or two [Literally - 1 or 2 minutes] & one day a week I fast them.

**imma24** · 12-16-2012, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by 850R

"Flakes" is not a measure of any sort.

+1 - flakes come in different sizes - breaking them up a little and putting in a small pinch works well - watch until the fish finish everything and then add a little more - repeat.

**Foxy78** · 12-20-2012, 02:20 AM

Thanks everyone. From all I read and your input, I am putting in a pinch (2 flakes per fish), letting them devour it, and if they get it all in 2 minutes or so (none of this pinch even thinks about reaching the ground), I add a slightly smaller pinch but break it up a bit and let them have a go at that (this is all eaten before reaching the ground also). After the second pinch they still seem to be starving, but I don't want to overfeed so I stop at this, unless someone thinks the fact that they still seem to be starving after this second pinch means they should get more.

Thanks again!

**shubunkin** · 12-20-2012, 09:52 AM

as long as the belly is rounded and not sunken inwards you are feeding enough, i put gnat larvae or daphnia, (not sure what you call them in america) and live bloodworm in once a fortnight as well