Feeding my clowns too much?

[Jdavis8824]

I have 2 davinci clowns, a mated pair that are still young and has not mated yet. Female about a inch and a half and the male about an inch. Unfortunately I bought a mandrian that eats everything I give him but requires I feed a lot during the day. So I fed them twice a day. Then I got a phosphate problem because I had to put a lot of shrimp to make sure the goby ate because he's slow. After the phos problem I cut feedings to once every day or two and lights where out for 4 days to combat dinoflagellates. Now my mandarin is skinny and I'm trying to fatten him back up before I return him to the LFS. I got a reactor with rowa so my tank can handle it. I feed pellets morning, mysis afternoon and brine night now. Is this ok for my clowns? I don't feed too much at one time but they have big bellies and are growing quicker

 

[Jdavis8824]

Actually now that I look at them some more the female is growing a lot quicker then the male. She's alittle over 2 inches. 3 months ago 1 and half inch. Male has barely grown though.

 

[saltyskier]

I've never heard of a fish over eating. Obviously, the bigger concern is water quality as a result of over feeding.

 

[hotelbravo]

water quality is a big issue in over feeding. that being said i am guilty of over feeding.
a big concern is the mandarin its a good thing you plan on bringing it back to the store it sounds like your tank isnt adequate for a mandarin.

 

[Jdavis8824]

No I've had him for a few months and he was doing fine in my 20g, but I do have to feed him way to much and it all has to be on the sandbed which half of it doesn't get eaten. So it's a good idea to return him.

 

[hotelbravo]

that's great and all that he has been doing fine but the nutrition he needs are within copepods that are not going to be sustainable in a 20g. feeding him meaty foods is awesome but its not supposed to be a main diet or any form of supplement. your decision to take him back is the best one you can make.

 

[Kyle918]

The female will always be the larger of the two regardless of feeding. I really don't think you can over feed. In the wild, their food source is practically unlimited so they eat all day long and not just when you throw in pellets like our home aquariums. If nutrients buld, I personally wouldn't lessen the feedings but rather improve my nutrient export techniques.

 

[scootshoot]

For the Mandy Turn all the filters off for a hour so the food settles to the bottom or make a feeder contraption like Paul B. has done for his Mandy's. His look very healthy and I know he supplements their diet with baby bring shrimp daily in his feeder thingy to make it easier for them to get their share of food.