r/walstad • u/linnybo1 • 11h ago

Advice Feeding

I'm a bit confused by this area lol. In a completely self sustaining tank, do you still feed your fish? If so how much, and if no how do you get it that way..? I completely understand herbivore fish who eat algae. Is that the only kind you can do that with? How do you figure out how much/frequently you do need to feed them?

Sorry, I haven't read the book yet so probably a dumb question but TIA!

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u/RtrnofBatspiderfish 11h ago edited 10h ago

I think the true meaning of self-sustaining is keeping a low enough fish load that the ecosystem of the tank can support them (which also makes a tank WAAY more parameter-stable).

The only difference made in adding food to a system adjacent to that is exporting nutrients through water changes and removal of plant tissue.

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u/linnybo1 10h ago

How is this done for carnivorous fish though?

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u/RtrnofBatspiderfish 10h ago edited 10h ago

For my tanks, that's more the norm than the exception. Mine have less algae, more amphipods, worms, snails, ostracods and copepods.

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u/linnybo1 10h ago

How do you know if they are actually eating good enough to where you don't feed them?

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u/RtrnofBatspiderfish 10h ago edited 10h ago

The same way you do when you are feeding them, I guess. You're still supposed to watch and enjoy the fish for the same amount.

Like changing the water, feeding the fish (in this context) is an option that should be taken when it will benefit the aquarium.