Proper Feeding

Question
Hello.  I need some advice for proper feeding for my fish tank that I have just completed and have properly set up and cycled.  I currently have one (1) Male Betta, one (1) Blue Gourmani, five (5) Neon Tetras and one (1) Dalmatian Molly in the tank, along with several live and plastic plants and driftwood.

I have done some research and found that different web sites will state differing opinions regarding feeding and what types of food, and I have started to get a bit confused.  I understand that some of my fish are carnivores and some are omnivores.  Based on that, my questions are:

1.  What types of food should I have so that all species of fish in the tank are properly feed?
2.  How do I feed all the different species at one time?
3.  If I purchase different bottles/jars of food, can I mix them all together in one jar to make feeding easier?
4.  I have noticed that when feeding the Neon Tetras and Gourmani, they tend to stay towards the bottom and/or middle of the tank, therefore how can I make sure that the fish that do not rush to the top of the tank will have enough food.
5.  It appears that the Betta Pellets that I put in the tank for the Betta are being grabbed by the Molly (the Molly is the fish that immediately runs to the top of the tank to eat -- while the others are not as quick), therefore how can I make sure that the Betta is properly feed.

Any feeding suggestions would be appreciated.  I would like to ensure that all have the proper food and are properly feed. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Monica

Well first, the Betta and the Neons are not a good mix. Bettas usually attack brightly colored fish, especially smaller ones. You may soon find some or all of the Neons missing or dead.

As for feeding, there isn't one fish you mentioned that wouldn't be just fine with TetraMin Tropical Flakes. However, your Molly needs some additional greens in its diet. SeaVeggies makes some excellent algae based foods for Mollies. You could also drop an algae wafer in the tank and let it sink to the bottom. This would likely distract the Molly for a few minutes while the other fish eat.

Frozen peas is another great supplement for all of your fish. Cook a few peas until they are tender. Remove the outside shell and chop them into small enough pieces for your fish to eat. Peas will especially benefit your Betta. Feed peas in the morning and don't feed them anything else that day.

Bloodworms and Brine Shrimp are an excellent treat once or twice a week. Feed them their regular food in the morning, and the bloodworms in the afternoon.

Feed your fish enough for them to consume in about 3-5 minutes. And don't worry, food will get to your mid-level eaters in a few seconds. However, my Gouramis eat from the surface and the mid-level.

And no, you should never mix different types of food together in the same bottle.

I never feed my Bettas pellets, nor do I recommend them to others. Pellets expand when they are wet and can become larger than your Betta's stomach and cause discomfort, indigestion and often constipation.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Richard