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Need help on feeding "Multifasciatus"

2K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  wryan 
#1 ·
Need help on feeding "Multifasciatus"
1) Crushed Flakes: If we grind up the flakes for smaller size, do we have to ensure the flakes are sunk or is it OK to leave it floating. The reason for asking this question is that, it is tough to get multi's to the surface to feed. Secondly if they are new for the tank & then they are skittish/shy & the moment you hands go over the tank to drop the food all the multi's get into the nearest shells.

2) Sinking Pellets: 0.5mm pellets is it good to drop the whole pellet or even this should be crushed ?? Secondly if they are new for the tank & then they are skittish/shy & the moment you hands go over the tank to drop the food all the multi's get into the nearest shells.

3) Freeze Dried Black Worms: Excellent food choice, but unconsumed can create havoc with the water parameters.

Unconsumed food floating on the surface is easier to remove than the food the substrate/sand (which is a real pain). Do the multi's really scavenge ?? But none have mentioned clearly that they scavenge. My worry is more because if one is unable to remove the unconsumed food, this will change the water parameters in a big way which might not be good & might be irreversible.

I know eventually hunger will force them to eat, am panicking because am a newbie.
 
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#2 ·
As you mention, multi's like the bottom and will go for the sinking pellets before the crushed flakes.

Skip the black worms entirely until they are feeding well. If you choose a good quality sinking pellet the variety is built in...it has all they need to thrive.

Uneaten food can increase your nitrates (and algae). The nitrates are easy to remove with a 50% (or more) weekly water change, but remember water with nitrates is dirty water. The algae can be more difficult.

Feed a small amount. If pellets are left on the substrate then vacuum them and feed less the next time. You will eventually come up with the right amount.
 
#3 ·
They love the live white worm, Enchytraeus albidus which are pretty easy to raise ... assuming you have a location with the proper temperature (between 50F and 70F) - keeping the containers on the floor of a basement seems to work well. A wine chiller appliance can also work to regulate and maintain an ideal temperature.

I use coconut fiber for the bedding medium, and ground up stale bread products or graham crackers for food - which I bury at the bottom of the container, which prevents mold and eliminates any odors.
 
#5 ·
DJRansome said:
:lol: Remind me to say no thanks to a glass of wine.
What have you got against a little protein ? :D

Seriously though, I have read where a wine cooler frig works very well ... since the temperature can be set higher than a normal refrigerator allows. They can be had used off craigslist reasonably cheap.

Same can be accomplished with a small dorm frig and a cheap temperature controller (which are available off Amazon for less than $20)

Personally, I haven't found it to be necessary ... but I'm in a northern climate and have a basement.

The equipment room where the HVAC equipment is, is unfinished and probably doesn't make it much above 70F in the summer when the AC is on.
 
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