NLS tropical vs NLS cichlid? Same pellet?

[JackEmerson]

Hi,

Is there any difference between NLS tropical (regular) and NSL cichlid? The labels show exactly the same ingredients and analysis. The only difference I can tell is that the place I buy from sells the cichlid mix for more (slightly) money than the tropical regular mix.

This is not a knock on NLS, I have no issues if they are the same mix (many companies do this). I am just curious as I am restocking my food soon.

 

[tlindsey]

Hi,

Is there any difference between NLS tropical (regular) and NSL cichlid? The labels show exactly the same ingredients and analysis. The only difference I can tell is that the place I buy from sells the cichlid mix for more (slightly) money than the tropical regular mix.

This is not a knock on NLS, I have no issues if they are the same mix (many companies do this). I am just curious as I am restocking my food soon.

RD.

 

[JackEmerson]

As a follow up, here are the labels of NLS tropical and NLS cichlid..

 

[Dutchaj]

I only notice 2 instances of ingredients swapped in order (chondrus crispus and spinosum seaweed for one example), so that would indicate the slightest of differences, but not enough that I wouldn’t use them interchangeably

 

[Trouser Cough]

This is not uncommon among fish feed mfg's. As an example, Bug Bites are available in a floating formula but the pellets are too small for a bigger fish like an Arowana. Look at the same product marketed to the turtle folks and you'll see that they're just about identical but for the "turtle formula" is in a larger stick form. My Arowana will put the hammer to those turtle sticks like it's the last supper.

 

[JackEmerson]

I only notice 2 instances of ingredients swapped in order (chondrus crispus and spinosum seaweed for one example), so that would indicate the slightest of differences, but not enough that I wouldn’t use them interchangeably

wow. Good eyes you have. That does answer my question, they are different, if even slightly.

 

[cvar]

My LFS says NLS recently changed their formula, and he no longer recommends it, so now he also stocks a different brand of pellets, named Xtreme. New to me, and I've not tried them yet.

The NLS website has no info at all about their product ingredients, which is a big red flag that greatly worries me. The only info they do provide is where to buy. I suspect their product is no longer what it was? Has another big company cheapened product to maximize profits? I have lost my trust in them. So I'm switching away from NLS pellets for my CL fish. I had been feeding sinking pellets by NLS and by Bug Bites. Any other recommendations?

 

[JackEmerson]

My LFS says NLS recently changed their formula, and he no longer recommends it, so now he also stocks a different brand of pellets, named Xtreme. New to me, and I've not tried them yet.

The NLS website has no info at all about their product ingredients, which is a big red flag that greatly worries me. The only info they do provide is where to buy. I suspect their product is no longer what it was? Has another big company cheapened product to maximize profits? I have lost my trust in them. So I'm switching away from NLS pellets for my CL fish. I had been feeding sinking pellets by NLS and by Bug Bites. Any other recommendations?

I do wish that the NLS website had better information on ingredients. You can find their recent labels here (which is a public link provided to me by NLS): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9gujrx4qfi5bhg1/AADwi3TKYqb55Z9BCU2lOrE_a?dl=0

Here are my 2 cents (not worth much) on the NLS formula and Xtreme:

I know NLS changed to a more natural preservative (naturox) a few years ago. All changes that NLS has made over the years seems to have improved the product, not lowered the product. While trying to avoid a food fight, many people do like Xtreme, and I am sure that fish will do well on it.

I used Xtreme for a short while about a year ago. The fish loved it. But my fish (African cichlids) eat any thing I throw at them. I am sure that fish will do well on both Xtreme and NLS. I prefer the ingredients of NLS over Xtreme: NLS has less wheat/flour/soy/rice/pea/etc.

 

[RD.]

LFS’s typically promote what suits them best. They aren’t in business to make friends. Maybe your blind trust was in the wrong person?

At a wholesale level those 2 formulas would cost the same, but because one sells better than the other, the retailer has most likely raised the sticker price on that one. That would be my take. It has nothing to do with ingredients. I agree about the website etc, the owner of New Life is an old man who has always felt that his products will speak for themself. You should have seen his website, and marketing 25 yrs ago. It was pretty much non existent. lol. Just an old stubborn dude, that is very old school. You won’t find him on X, FB, or IG. He wouldn’t even know what those are. Ha

 

[cvar]

I do wish that the NLS website had better information on ingredients. You can find their recent labels here (which is a public link provided to me by NLS): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9gujrx4qfi5bhg1/AADwi3TKYqb55Z9BCU2lOrE_a?dl=0

Here are my 2 cents (not worth much) on the NLS formula and Xtreme:

I know NLS changed to a more natural preservative (naturox) a few years ago. All changes that NLS has made over the years seems to have improved the product, not lowered the product. While trying to avoid a food fight, many people do like Xtreme, and I am sure that fish will do well on it.

I used Xtreme for a short while about a year ago. The fish loved it. But my fish (African cichlids) eat any thing I throw at them. I am sure that fish will do well on both Xtreme and NLS. I prefer the ingredients of NLS over Xtreme: NLS has less wheat/flour/soy/rice/pea/etc.

Thank you Jack. Your dropbox is a WEALTH of fishfood information. Wow. From these labels it seems that NLS is indeed still really good in ingredients. I will just stick with the tried and true NLS pellets.