I have a new 40 gallon and first arrivals yesterday were 12 harley rasboras and 10 cherry barbs. Kept the lights off all afternoon/evening yesterday and didn't feed.
This morning I fed 3 good size flakes that were broken/crushed.
It took 5 minutes before the harleys starting hitting it, and then they weren't exactly aggressive.
The barbs have been staying in the lower portion of the tank, acting a bit shy, and none of them ever came to the surface to feed.
The flakes were still floating 10 minutes after I put them in and 80% of what I put in was still there. So obviously I overfed my first time out! It's 25 minutes later and there's still some food floating on the top; if there's some that sank I can't see it.
So, do you think the barbs are just still acclimating?
My other question is, if the flakes are still floating after 5 minutes then if they get cleaned up none of them will have time to sink down to lower levels....if fish aren't coming to the top to feed they don't get to eat, right?
I have sinking pellets also and some shrimp and worms, figured I would rotate the selection during the week...but most days will feed flake food.
Appreciate any wisdom you have to share, and thank you!