feeding algae eaters and catfish

Question
Hi
I have 3 tanks, all with otto algae eaters in them. Two of the tanks have catfish. The ottos have done a spectacular job of cleaning up the algae, but I forgot to pay attention to feeding them once the algae was gone, and I lost 2 ottos in my 45 gallon tank as a result.

Question is this - how much should I be feeding them? I've been putting algae wafers in there in the evening, but am doing it randomly because I don't know how much to do. And all the other fish are attacking the algae tablets too, and I'm worried I'm starving everyone. Advice?

Maria

Answer
Hello,

Feed your fish a couple wafers at the times where you regularly feed your other fish. Remember that catfish and algae eaters are also scavengers and can find some of their food in the substrate. Fish will naturally eat food if you place it in front of them, which is why overfeeding can be such a common problem in aquariums. A fish's stomach is actually only about the size of its eyeball. Don't be worried about your fish's behaviour when you add the wafers, they are just smelling something tasty and want a bite.

As long as you feed your bottom fish at regular times like the rest of your fish, everyone should get along fine.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Stephanie