New problem?? Blood Parrot

**Taurus** · 10-07-2012, 01:18 PM

The higher the protein content of the pellet, the less you need to feed. If I remember correctly, the protein content of Omega One pellets are around 40%?

**fishmommie** · 10-07-2012, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by Taurus

The higher the protein content of the pellet, the less you need to feed. If I remember correctly, the protein content of Omega One pellets are around 40%?

good memory - it's 35%. So I'm thinking 1/8 tsp or about 20 pellets daily. that would be about 4 pellets per fish - if they play nice and share. I do worry about the EBJD as he is the littlest one in the tank right now and i'm afraid he's missing meals.

I know I'm attempting to micro manage something that isn't a direct science but I KNOW I tend to overfeed (and over react - ya think???) and the 2 minute rule just doesn't apply here since everything sinks so quickly.

Looking forward to the day when this tank is as stable and easy to mantain as my 30 which I know exactly how to feed :o(

thanks again!!

**Taurus** · 10-07-2012, 01:31 PM

LOL...yes, you're still learning....nothing wrong with that.

What size are the pellets? Medium?

**fishmommie** · 10-07-2012, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Taurus

LOL...yes, you're still learning....nothing wrong with that.

You said a mouthful there - still learning a LOT

What size are the pellets? Medium?

Small. like the very smallest pieces of regular aquarium gravel

**Taurus** · 10-07-2012, 01:57 PM

2 to 3 pellets per fish once per day is plenty depending on the size of the fish. Bigger fish may need more.

Pleco's eat and poop at the same time because they need foods that are relatively low in protein and high algae, kelp, spirulina, and other plant material.

**fishmommie** · 10-07-2012, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Taurus

2 to 3 pellets per fish once per day is plenty depending on the size of the fish. Bigger fish may need more.
for sure, i've been over feeding :o(

Pleco's eat and poop at the same time because they need foods that are relatively low in protein and high algae, kelp, spirulina, and other plant material.

The Emperor pleco is a mystery to me. My Baby ABNP in my 30 is VERY visible, loves the veggies I feed him and gloms on to algae wafers. This new guy ... I never see him unless I stand on my head and look up under the rock caves. He's always hanging upside down on a rock. Completely ignores the wafers and zucchini slices (I put in a fresh one every 2 days). Occasionally I'll see him hanging on the driftwood. He must feed at night and strictly on the driftwood and the diatom in the tank. there maybe some other algae growing but it's sparse if there is. Just have to believe he's doing okay

**Taurus** · 10-07-2012, 02:55 PM

Emperor plecos are omnivore. He's just shy and not used to his new surroundings. It'll take time, but eventually he'll become more visible during the day. I'd toss in 1/2 algae tab or small omnivore tab every other night for a while. That's enough to keep him well fed. You can keep trying the veggies, but I'd put in small amounts at night and remove them the next morning.

HTH

**fishmommie** · 10-07-2012, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Taurus

Emperor plecos are omnivore. He's just shy and not used to his new surroundings. It'll take time, but eventually he'll become more visible during the day. I'd toss in 1/2 algae tab or small omnivore tab every other night for a while. That's enough to keep him well fed. You can keep trying the veggies, but I'd put in small amounts at night and remove them the next morning.

HTH

that's pretty much what I've been doing ... only in larger quantities (eat - you'll feel better mentality coming into play) Cutting down. Hanging in. thanks!

**MCHRKiller** · 10-07-2012, 03:28 PM

Id do a combo of Prazi and Metro considering your fish have never been treated for internal parasites...and well cichlids often have a gutload of parasites.

I never measure my fish's food...just feed them what they will actively eat in like 30seconds or so.