Hikari (Koi) Gold vs Cichlid Gold

[Idealconcepts]

I checked the ingredients on the back of both Hikari Gold (koi and other pond fish food) and Cichlid gold and the % are I believe exactly the same and the ingredients are pretty much the same.

I'm thinking of using the Hikari Gold since they come in larger packs and one of the box stores near me can get the 4.4lbs for around $45. They will be mainly for cichlids, aros, and the bichirs that swim up and go after them.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone done a closer comparison between the two and want to share their findings? (mine was only a quick 2-3min at the store)

2. Does any one use Hikari Gold (Koi/etc food) for their Cichlids and Aros? And if you do what are your thoughts with the food and what did you use before that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[alexmuw]

I did this exact same comparison about 5 months ago.

I printed the Hikari ingredient lists from HIKARI's site and did a side by side comparison. Actually, Hikari Cichlid Gold has a few extra ingredients (forgot what they were, don't have the sheets any longer; but you can look them up). I wouldn't see why you couldn't feed aquarium fish, pond food (I've fed my cichlids Hikari Koi Staple without any harm).

As a side note, I also compared prices from many stores: Petsmart, Petco, Drfostersmith. Koi Gold and Cichlid Gold are actually about same price (I believe cichlid gold is a bit cheaper; by 1 cent an 0z or something similar). So I just buy Cichlid Gold from DrfosterSmith for $4 per 8.8 0z bag; or Cichlid Staple for $3 a bag. (they have 25% off sale twice a year).

You can do a step better, you can buy 22 Lb bags of Cichlid Gold from DrFosterSmith for $166 or $122 (25%, remember twice a yr) with $9 shipping. OR you can get Koi Gold in 4.4 Lb bag for $40 and 11 Lb bag for $90 (plus $9 shipping). When I get the money, I'm for sure buying to 22 lbs for $122 (can't beat the price).

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+7927+4298&pcatid=4298
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5163+5470+5570&pcatid=5570

Good luck, and if you hear otherwise please keep us informed.!!

 

[Idealconcepts]

Thanks for the info alexmuw. I have always thought of purchasing the 22lbs of Cichlid Gold but I don't think I could it all up before the "best used before date".

I might be able to use a 11lb bag and for sure a 4.4lb bag. I did some research and I think the large hikari gold only comes in 17.6oz of 11lb. So I might be purchasing a 11lb bag.

Glad you have had a good experience with Hikari Staple.

I did this exact same comparison about 5 months ago.

I printed the Hikari ingredient lists from HIKARI's site and did a side by side comparison. Actually, Hikari Cichlid Gold has a few extra ingredients (forgot what they were, don't have the sheets any longer; but you can look them up). I wouldn't see why you couldn't feed aquarium fish, pond food (I've fed my cichlids Hikari Koi Staple without any harm).

As a side note, I also compared prices from many stores: Petsmart, Petco, Drfostersmith. Koi Gold and Cichlid Gold are actually about same price (I believe cichlid gold is a bit cheaper; by 1 cent an 0z or something similar). So I just buy Cichlid Gold from DrfosterSmith for $4 per 8.8 0z bag; or Cichlid Staple for $3 a bag. (they have 25% off sale twice a year).

You can do a step better, you can buy 22 Lb bags of Cichlid Gold from DrFosterSmith for $166 or $122 (25%, remember twice a yr) with $9 shipping. OR you can get Koi Gold in 4.4 Lb bag for $40 and 11 Lb bag for $90 (plus $9 shipping). When I get the money, I'm for sure buying to 22 lbs for $122 (can't beat the price).

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+7927+4298&pcatid=4298
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5163+5470+5570&pcatid=5570

Good luck, and if you hear otherwise please keep us informed.!!