Seneca Park Food

[ReeferMac]

So, what would you feed the zoo tank?

- Mac

 

[dalbrecht]

The zoo tank looks like a prime candidate for a custom loaf. I'd also consider live macro for the tangs to promote grazing behaviors if possible.

 

[ReeferMac]

Thanks Dalbrecht. We've talked about recycling some of the Chaeto in the sump as food up top, but the zoo expressed some concerns about it's appearance... I think we can make it reasonable looking by just attaching it to the veggie clip like we do the Nori.

- Mac

 

[dalbrecht]

I would go a step further, and attach it to a rock. I used to use black thread to attach mine. After I discovered the difference in growth rate I switched to grape caulerpa (I know I know it's like playing with fire) since it attaches itself, rotating rocks of grape caulerpa through the fuge has worked wonders for my tank. Looks great, and the tang loves it.

 

[sschafer]

I wouldn't use Chaeto from the sump. The Chaeto removes Phosphates, by using it for food you are just adding it back into the tank. What is the tank receiving for food now? I haven't seen it in a while, so don't know what the fish load is like.

Steve

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7258333#post7258333 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMac
Thanks Dalbrecht. We've talked about recycling some of the Chaeto in the sump as food up top, but the zoo expressed some concerns about it's appearance... I think we can make it reasonable looking by just attaching it to the veggie clip like we do the Nori.

- Mac

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I'll "water down" my reply post.
Putting it nicely: what did the zoo think of their reef aquariums' appearance before the URS got involved with it??
Those people anger me.
As long as there's no danger from uneaten Chaetomorpha clogging a drain, I'd use it to feed the fish.

 

[ReeferMac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7261681#post7261681 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
Those people anger me.

:lol: !
Rare words from you, Gary. For the record, they've actually expressed being extremely pleased w/ the new display. I'm just thinking that it's one area we might be able to make some improvements.
Currently the tank is fed primarily OSI marine flake and Nori sheets daily. Occasionally, they get some frozen mysis (every 2-3 days). A lot of this was chosen w/ ease of use in mind for the zoo staff, but after speaking to them about feeding, I feel they're willing to go a little further and get more involved. Changing the feeding regime, so long as it's not a burden, I think would be received positively if they were properly informed and trained.

I was there today and brought a few pieces of Mac's famous loaf with me... I fed it from the back corner, and it was primarily all eaten up before I had a chance to come around to the front and see if they liked it... But I think I'd make their blend a little different than I do the one for my tank. I left instructions w/ Gail to use it once or twice in place of their regular Mysis feedings, and see how the tank reacts. There's only a few pieces of it there, so... nothing too terrible could happen.

Adding the Nori is a net import of nutrients Steve, but if I'm taking the nutrients from those captured in the sump, it's a recycling, rather than an import (we rip and toss wads of the stuff regularly anyways, might was well plop a small ball up top). I would be considering doing this in-lieu of that day's nori feeding, so as not to make it a supplemental recycling of nutrients. I don't see it posing a big problem for drainage either, but it's a good thought to double check. Would hate to cause a flood because one of the pigs in there wasn't eating neatly.

- Mac