Marine Betta feeding Problems

[highgate]

Hi I have a 46 gallon reef tank. I introduced a Marine Betta 2 weeks ago. He shares the tank with a blue hippo, lemon peel, cinimmon clown and flame hawk. I feed the fish daily with mixture of mysis shrimp and brine. The hawk take a small shrimp on a stick. They also get seaweed every other day. The marine betta is shy, but will take ashrimp on afeeding stick. The only problem is he takes it and then 5 to 10 seconds later spits it out. I was told at the store he was eating. I'm concerned that he will get weaker unless he starts to regularly eat. My chemistry is good nitrates 10, ammonia and Phosphate 0 ph 8.2. So some ideas would be welcome. Thanks.

[MMM33732]

Ask the store what they fed it. Also, try soaking the food in garlic. It really seems to help increase appetite and boost immunity as well.

[tylorarm]

Also try feeding him with only the actinics on, my betta feels much more comfortable and is more aggressive feeder with less lighting.

[ozadars]

I give mine small pieces of shrimp meat and he eats it.

[highgate]

Thanks Guys appreciate the feedback. I picked up some garlic las night.

[axia55]

If that doesn't work, try some small ghost shrimp.