Could Too Much Invertebrate Food Kill Fish?

Invertebrate food is not dangerous to aquarium fish. It usually consists of pretty much the same ingredients found in most aquarium fish foods. In fact, most fish will either ignore it or enthusiastically eat it, depending on the fish. Invertebrate food can, however, indirectly harm aquarium fish.

  1. Problems

    • The problem with invertebrate food is the same as that caused by excess fish food. If you administer too much invertebrate food, the excess will rot in the aquarium. Rotting food produces toxic nitrogen compounds like ammonia and nitrite. Most healthy aquariums can break down tiny amounts of these compounds as long as their production is not chronic. These compounds are toxic and dangerous to both fish and invertebrates. They cause damage to tissues, particularly the gills.

    Preventing Problems

    • You can take several steps to prevent problems with invertebrate food. The best thing to do is to get the biggest aquarium you can afford. Excess food causes less trouble in a larger volume of water. Feed only what your invertebrates can eat in 30 seconds to ensure you don't overfeed. Worry more about overfeeding than underfeeding. Most corals feed at night; administer their food when they're more active and willing to feed.

    Scavengers

    • Scavenging organisms, as diverse as catfish and hermit crabs, can help eat excess food. However, you cannot count on them to totally clean an aquarium on their own. You will have to feed them, since they usually do not get enough food from scraps alone. Sinking foods like specially formulated pellets and wafers make good foods for scavengers, since most feed at the lowest level of aquariums.

    Accidental Overfeeding

    • Take action if you accidentally overfeed your invertebrates. First, immediately siphon of excess with an aquarium vacuum or with any length of tubing. Regular aquarium maintenance, like your regular water changes, will help keep rotting food and excessive nitrogen compounds from reaching dangerous levels. Water changes can help replenish depleted trace elements and improve other aspects of water chemistry.