Feeding feeders good or bad?

[aaronb]

I'm just curious because I've been feeding mine frozen bloodworms. I had 2 die though so I'm down to 6. I was afraid they maybe weren't eating enough. They're 2-3 inches right now, but part of them look to be growing a lot faster than the others. Thanks.

 

[callen]

Ongoing debate...IMO Nothing wrong w/ feeding QUALITY feeders as that is what they are designed and built to eat...at that size feed em whatever they'll eat and convert em later. You will eventually want to convert to prep foods tho, as i've found it to be a major pain in the arse to keep/ or go buy enuff feeders to keep up w/ a decent sized pbass's needs. Good luck on your upcoming battle.

 

[aaronb]

Thanks. Do you think rosy reds or fathead minnows from my local bait shop would be better quality than the ones from a fish store? Is it hard to find feeders small enough for them to eat at that size? Thanks again.

 

[gangster]

Feeders can get quite spendy. If they are eating frzn blood worms keep at it. Mix in some frozen brine shrimp as well as some frozen beef heart. You can also crush up some pellets and add them to the thawed out frozens mix. Try and feed the small guys as much as possible. Atleast 2-3x a day.

As stated, quality feeders arent a bad choice. But when that is the main diet of small cichla for some time it may be hard to get them off the feeders an onto some other type of food.

You said you had 2 die...was this from lack of food? What is you water temp at and how often do you do water changes?

 

[aaronb]

78 degrees and 50 percent once a week.

 

[aaronb]

One died a month ago about a week after I got it. I just picked up 5 more and one died a few days later. I know I need it a little warmer, but I need to get a new heater because mine is non adjustable.

 

[callen]

Feeders can get quite spendy. If they are eating frzn blood worms keep at it. Mix in some frozen brine shrimp as well as some frozen beef heart. You can also crush up some pellets and add them to the thawed out frozens mix. Try and feed the small guys as much as possible. Atleast 2-3x a day.

As stated, quality feeders arent a bad choice. But when that is the main diet of small cichla for some time it may be hard to get them off the feeders an onto some other type of food.

You said you had 2 die...was this from lack of food? What is you water temp at and how often do you do water changes?

Agree, this method works great

78 degrees and 50 percent once a week.

temp should be around 86

 

[callen]

Thanks. Do you think rosy reds or fathead minnows from my local bait shop would be better quality than the ones from a fish store? Is it hard to find feeders small enough for them to eat at that size? Thanks again.

Rosies or minnows...parasites are the main problem w feeders. And i've seen 3" cichla eat 2" feeders no problem

 

[gangster]

Go get a new heater ASAP! The temp is the reason you are losing fish. It will stunt their growth and they will constantly be dealing w/ sickness.