Turning the filters off to feed

[PaulVerrall]

Just done a water change and clean up and was horrified at how much mouldy food under rocks and bog wood.

My fish are messy eaters but the filtration is very strong and I think a lot of the food is getting blown into gaps and holes before the fish get to eat it.

Would there be a problem if I turned the filters off 5 mins before feeding and for 5/10 mins while they eat, to try and keep the food still for them to get it?

[Vale!]

Shouldn't be a problem at all, PV.

[SxAqua]

I used to do that Paul. Theres no harm for a few minutes

[PaulVerrall]

I thought it'd be fine, hopefully it'll help with the mess!

[Martinspuddle]

On the other view, I would suggest trying to feed the same amount of food but in smaller portions and let them clear up each smaller amount before adding more .... Failing that, try teaching your fish some table manners and get them to wash their fins before eating!

[Andys temperate tank]

@PaulVerrall I've been using one of these for the last week.

https://horizonaquatics.co.uk/item/gamma-feeding-bottle

Like Martin suggested I put one or 2 squirts in, let them eat that and repeat until I'm happy they've had enough. Heres a link to a horizons YouTube video about it. You see him feeding fish at the end.

https://youtu.be/9yddSdQ3XN4

[Vale!]

Ooh! That's exactly what I need to feed my bath! I've ordered one.

[Andys temperate tank]

Ooh! That's exactly what I need to feed my bath! I've ordered one.

Ideal isn't it. I like how it spreads the food around te water column as well.

[Ric]

I used a pipette in the past to portion out frozen food - this looks like a bottle with a built-in pipette. Neat.

[PaulVerrall]

On the other view, I would suggest trying to feed the same amount of food but in smaller portions and let them clear up each smaller amount before adding more .... Failing that, try teaching your fish some table manners and get them to wash their fins before eating!

The trouble is, I usually dump it all in together as the juveniles are like lightening and the big old boys are a bit slow so putting it all in means they all get some, small amounts would get hoovered up and not everyone would eat I don't think.

Lol they definitely need table manners!!!