On 12 Jun 2004 11:34:06 -0700, (kevin) wrote:

Generally, most fish will eat a bit of algae, rotting leaves,
detritus, etc, and so I always keep feedings in my planted tanks to a
minimum (often skipping several days at a time).

My local school office had a "River Tank" given to it by one of the
teachers going on summer vacation. The administrator told me she had
never fed the two fish. A huge ivy type plant was growing from the
bottom, out of the tank and toward the ceiling. In six months the
administrator had never fed the fish. Light was that coming into the
office from overhead and windows (none direct facing the tank). I
was amazed. The 2 fish had poor color, but were active. I gave her
some flake food, but wonder if I had helped or hurt the fish. I have
other stories of fish going for long periods without being fed, your
"skipping several days" adds to my wondering how much feeding is
really good if fish can get along for lengthy periods without the
food.

When I had black hair algae I noticed my Mollies were pecking at the
shorter growths. I bought Siamese Algae Eaters without noticing that
they can become quite large. The FFF sounds like a good scavenger for
smaller tanks.

dick