Feeding Guide for Tropical Fish

Feeding Guide for Tropical Fish

Feeding your tropical fish may seem simple, but it’s one of the most important — and commonly mishandled — parts of aquarium care. Overfeeding, underfeeding, or feeding the wrong type of food can lead to health issues, water quality problems, and even tank crashes.

This guide will teach you what to feed, how much, and how often, based on the species and size of your aquarium community.

🍽️ Types of Tropical Fish Food

Tropical fish benefit from a varied diet. No single food can deliver all the nutrients they need long-term. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

  • Flake Food: Ideal for surface feeders like tetras, guppies, and danios. Choose high-protein, color-enhancing formulas for best results.
  • Pellets: Sink slowly and are better for mid-water and bottom dwellers like gouramis, angelfish, or corydoras. Micro-pellets are great for nano fish.
  • Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia — excellent protein boost and variety. Thaw before feeding.
  • Live Foods: Great for conditioning fish for breeding or enhancing color. Use with caution to avoid parasites.
  • Gel Foods: Soft and nutritious, especially for picky eaters or fish with dental sensitivity (bettas, puffers).
  • Vegetable-Based: Algae wafers, spirulina flakes, blanched zucchini — essential for herbivores like plecos and otocinclus.

⏰ How Often Should You Feed?

As a rule of thumb: feed tropical fish 1–2 times per day, only what they can eat in under 2 minutes. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of ammonia spikes and cloudy water.

  • Community tanks: 1–2 times daily, alternating food types
  • Bettas: 1–2 times daily, skip one day a week to prevent bloating
  • Bottom feeders: Feed once after lights out if necessary (sinking wafers)
  • Fry or baby fish: 3–4 small feedings per day of micro foods

🐠 Feeding Tips by Species

  • Tetras & Rasboras: Flakes, micro-pellets, daphnia
  • Corydoras: Sinking pellets, bloodworms, algae wafers
  • Bettas: Betta pellets, brine shrimp, gel foods
  • Angelfish: Medium pellets, frozen bloodworms
  • Livebearers (guppies, mollies): Flakes, veggie flakes, frozen foods
  • Plecos: Algae wafers, blanched cucumber, driftwood (for wood-eating species)

⚠️ Signs of Overfeeding

  • Food remains uneaten after 2–3 minutes
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling water
  • Algae blooms or high ammonia/nitrite readings
  • Fish bloating or constipation

📦 How We Feed at BlueRipple

All our fish are raised on a varied rotation of flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, and specialty diets. We make sure fish are eating well before shipment, and include care tips in every box. If you’re unsure what to feed your fish — just ask. We’ll guide you.

Proper feeding doesn’t just keep your fish healthy — it enhances color, promotes breeding, and creates a more vibrant, active tank. Feed smart, and your aquarium will thrive.