Feeding by weight/ratio

[skidmarkstevie]

Now that my nutrients are very near where I want them, Ive aquired an ohaus scale with intent to make adjustments in weight/ratio between nitrate/phosphate dominant food sources. I am using mostly reef nutrition line of foods. Is anyone else weighing their food for small tanks? Would love to try some different recipes/ratios.

My tank system is about 40gal.

Pic of my first serving.
.5g tdo pellets
.5g Arcti pods
.4g oyster feast
.2g phyto feast

 

[exnisstech]

I don't base my fishes diet on test results.

 

[skidmarkstevie]

I don't base my fishes diet on test results.

I wouldnt say I "base" their diet off test results either, but I think consistency can be good for their environment.

My fish are fat, breeding, healthy etc.
In my ~35 gal system, overfeeding is easy and cause drop in ph, nutrient bottoming, and im just looking to be more consistent, like the sea.

In my head the idea of being able to manipulate ratios & amounts to avoid bottoming nutrients, raising/stabilizing ph [through photosynthesis], and complete consistent nutrition of all tank inhabitants without input of bottled nutrients/aminos is a good thing for everyone involved, and in no way will my fish be underfed or malnourished.

 

[mcarroll]

If weighing is what it takes for you to effect a stable feeding routine, then go for it....it's a solid idea.

It seems like that shouldn't be a requirement to stable feeding routines in most situations though.

 

[Paul B]

Some days I feed too much and some days I don't feed at all so it would be silly for me to weigh anything.

In the sea fish eat small amounts all day and they will continue eating until they can't fit any more food in their mouths if we let them. I don't think it's a scientific measurement. But it's interesting what you are doing and adds another dimension to this hobby.

 

[skidmarkstevie]

If weighing is what it takes for you to effect a stable feeding routine, then go for it....it's a solid idea.

It seems like that shouldn't be a requirement to stable feeding routines in most situations though.

I agree. Alot of guys have a more accurate eye or feel than me but I know I can see a couple thou, even without my glasses.

It would be cool to see how accurate I can measure organic loading and nutrient export in an attempt to keep food "fresh." And just total, weekly, monthly nutrient averages and organic loading for my system.

I suppose nothing is as fresh as the batch of fire shrimps currently being devoured.

Some days I feed too much and some days I don't feed at all so it would be silly for me to weigh anything.

In the sea fish eat small amounts all day and they will continue eating until they can't fit any more food in their mouths if we let them. I don't think it's a scientific measurement. But it's interesting what you are doing and adds another dimension to this hobby.

Having an idea of organic loading cant be bad.

The scale made me realize im pretty consistent by eye with pellets, but with small amounts (20-30 small pellets) its easy to miss by +/-20%. Liquids was alot easier to get off track, unless using pipette. If that means there's room for nutrient stabilization then Im going to try to find it.