Cichlid pellets

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Q

Quo Vadis

Gambusia
MFK Member
Apr 12, 2014
912
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18
Wisconsin
I feed NLS as one of my staples, along with Hikari carnivore/massive/food sticks (same formula, right?), homemade frozen gelatin food, veggies, and treats of other normal frozen foods - krill/plankton, mysis, bloodworms, tilapia - and earth/wax worms. But with my cichlids getting bigger, I'd like to add into the rotation another Cichlid pellet, that is cheaper than NLS. Hikari Cichlid Gold is by far the cheapest decent pellet I can find, except maybe one of Ken's formulas (haven't priced all them out yet). Hikari BioGold and Omega One cichlid pellets look even better, but they are only slightly cheaper than NLS. Are they that much better than plain Hikari Gold? Is it my best bet for a cheaper decent pellet?

And I have some vegetarian cichlids (Vieja) and a goldfish, any input if Hikari Excel or Omega one Veggie pellets would be better for them? They are about the same price.

I am not trying to get into a which brand is better argument. I personally am of the opinion most of the more well respected brands are probably fine, but that feeding a variety is the best way to keep fish happy and healthy. And nothing beats actually reading labels! I am mainly just curious if BioGold/Omega One are really that much better than plain Hikari Cichlid Gold.

BTW Hikari had the highest protein and lowest fat content, Omega has the highest fat and lowest protein content, and NLS is in the middle.
 
Beside pellets such as HBH Supertsoft Spirulina I feed aquaculture foods from the local farm store, trout pellets for carnivores, and basic catfish, goldfish, or panfish chow for the vegetarians and omnivores. These can often be found in bulk amounts for considerably low prices (20lbs for less than $20).
In nature there are often cycles where a certain insect larvae will hatch out providing a glut of protein at a certain time of year, and this often coincides with breeding.
I try to mimic these cycles a bit by providing a generic, low protein, spirulina diet, (goldfish pellet) diet for my omnivorous cichlids, and then a few days high protein, such as a shrimp type, then back again.
 
One caveat about the 20lb bulk bags.
If kept in a damp fish room, portions can mold and become useless.
I usually split a 20lb bag into manageable portions in plastic freezer bags, and refrigerate, or freeze, and take out a bag I know will be used over a short time as needed.
 
I have been using HBH for quite a while. My understanding is that HBH has been sold, but same products will be available under the new company name. This from a couple months ago, and I cant remember the new name??
 
IMO if one is going to feed a product such as Cichlid Gold, you might as well consider lower cost farm feed such as what Duane suggested. If you shop around you will find feed that nutrient wise some farm feed can be just as good, and in some cases probably a lot better at a FAR lower cost than the Hikari Gold formula. Just be careful as to the inclusion rate of terrestrial based plant matter, which in no way duplicates what the vast majority of tropical fish consume in the wild.


BTW Hikari had the highest protein and lowest fat content, Omega has the highest fat and lowest protein content, and NLS is in the middle.
Click to expand...

FYI ...... when reading labels just keep in mind that those percentages stated are based on minimum, and maximum values - not typical percentages as in what is typically found batch from batch. As an example, check out the difference between the guaranteed analysis, and the typical analysis found in Cichlid Gold.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+7927+8012+16875&pcatid=16875&r=579

While you're at it, make sure to note the vitamin content, especially vitamin c content found in the Gold formula.
 
I'm looking for a sinking vegetarian pellet to feed some of my fish. I only seem to be able to get hikari excel in the mini size and I want bigger. Any ideas? Baring in mind im in the uk and a lot of the varieties I see mentioned on here are not available. Thanks :)

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RD. said:
Expand your search. Hikari isn't the only aquatic fish food vendor in the UK.
Click to expand...

I realise that... I was asking for opinions etc. For example, is it worth me looking for a 3mm+ NLS veggie sinking pellet if there is no such thing. I could just go out and buy a pack of King British algae wafers and break them up, but they could be garbage... I've not seen a great deal of other manufacturers here (other than the usual tetra, king british, NLS , new era. And the last 2 ive not seen what im looking for) so not entirely sure what to search for.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
I have found it all the 'treats' that end up being expensive. All the frozen stuff adds up and really is not necessary for healthy, happy fish. So why even skimp on a cheap pellet? Just use a high quality pellet and cut way back on treats.

Ian21777 you should start your own post on food for what you are looking for and let us address the OP food question.
 
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