Good fish to breed as feeders

[Joshuakahan]

I was thinking convicts or maybe kenyi, any better ideas.? Want something that breeds like rabbits and doesn’t require much maintenance. I’ll be feeding pike cichlids, bichirs and an elongatus shovelnose, African leaf fish and warmouth ( different tanks) , so I think guppies are too small.
Thanks

 

[Fishnerd360]

Convicts like you said are a good idea.

 

[jcarson]

labidochromis caeruleus
I dont even try to save the fry but they just keep coming.

 

[DMD123]

A non-fish idea, simple DIY worm farm. Lots of on-line instructions to build with cheap storage containers. Ive considered this to feed my bichirs and puffers but have read that the worm used (red wigglers) can be a bit unpalatable to the fish. Though many acquire a taste for them.

 

[Joshuakahan]

labidochromis caeruleus
I dont even try to save the fry but they just keep coming.

I forgot about yellow labs, ya those breed like crazy, that could make an attractive feeder tank as well, thanks

 

[TwoHedWlf]

I was thinking convicts or maybe kenyi, any better ideas.? Want something that breeds like rabbits and doesn’t require much maintenance. I’ll be feeding pike cichlids, bichirs and an elongatus shovelnose, African leaf fish and warmouth ( different tanks) , so I think guppies are too small.
Thanks

Platies or swordtails would be my suggestion for the next notch up in size from guppies. Otherwise agree with Convicts

 

[Blakewater]

Ive done heaps of research on this topic for some of my other growouts. Ive looked into almost every kind of shrimp, crawfish, guppies, minnows, etc. But unfortunately, other than things like worms suggested above, nothing is cost or time effective AT all. The exception being if you have a self maintaining pond ecosystem for mosquitofish but in that case you have the issue of quarantines which is still more trouble than its worth IMO. Your best bet is to get a compost box going with nightcrawlers.

 

[Joshuakahan]

Ive done heaps of research on this topic for some of my other growouts. Ive looked into almost every kind of shrimp, crawfish, guppies, minnows, etc. But unfortunately, other than things like worms suggested above, nothing is cost or time effective AT all. The exception being if you have a self maintaining pond ecosystem for mosquitofish but in that case you have the issue of quarantines which is still more trouble than its worth IMO. Your best bet is to get a compost box going with nightcrawlers.

Thanks, I’m not looking to use the feeders as a primary food source, just something I can gut load and feed occasionally. I have an extra 40 set up in the garage that’s complete. So I just figured a pair of cheap low maintenance fish that breed prolifically would give me something to do with the 40 and be a food source for my main tanks. Are convicts the way to go? I have a friend that will give me a couple yellow labs since his are breeding like crazy. I thought about platys, but I find them boring.

 

[Joshuakahan]

Platies or swordtails would be my suggestion for the next notch up in size from guppies. Otherwise agree with Convicts

Convicts breed more that yellow labs ? I’m on the fence between the two.
thanks

 

[Blakewater]

Thanks, I’m not looking to use the feeders as a primary food source, just something I can gut load and feed occasionally. I have an extra 40 set up in the garage that’s complete. So I just figured a pair of cheap low maintenance fish that breed prolifically would give me something to do with the 40 and be a food source for my main tanks. Are convicts the way to go? I have a friend that will give me a couple yellow labs since his are breeding like crazy. I thought about platys, but I find them boring.

Thats fine, sometimes the act of breeding fish for food is just interesting and that alone makes it worth it. Just know youll pay more feeding them than what they'll save you. Ive heard of convicts working. Grass shrimp are a cheap and easy possibility as well.