Live Foods?

[Convict Cichlids]

i currently feed my fishes live crickets and frozen bloodworms

i was reading a post and some one said that live feeder minnows have no diseases Is That True

 

[Red Devil]

Many aquarists view the use of feeder fish as cruel and unnecessary, arguing that the feeder fish is introduced into a small tank it has no chance to escape, and such a contrived situation cannot be considered “natural” in any meaningful sense. Most predatory species that eat live fish can also be weaned onto dead alternatives. Some of the species used as feeder fish (goldfish and rosy red minnows) contain high quantities of thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 and when fed in large quantities cause nutritional imbalances. When bred and held in an overcrowded or otherwise sub-optimal environment, they may also carry bacterial infections and parasites, which can be passed along to fish that eat them. A large disadvantage of using feeder fish, particularly goldfish, is that they do not actually simulate what tropical fish eat in the wild. The only safe fish to use as feeders are home-raised livebearers (mollies, platys, guppies). so my opinion is this.. if you want to raise your own feeders.. and feed sparingly then it would be okay.. if not do not even consider feeders that you purchase... sooner or later your fish will contract disease... over and over i have seen this happen.. not worth it..

 

[Freezekougra]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12521

 

[charles-n-charge]

i feed juvenile carnivores feeders. its better for the youngsters. but once they begin to approach the "pre-teen" stage, i begin to sing them on pellets and frozen foods. i try to stay away from feeders as much as possible

 

[Red Devil]

i feed juvenile carnivores feeders. its better for the youngsters. but once they begin to approach the "pre-teen" stage, i begin to sing them on pellets and frozen foods. i try to stay away from feeders as much as possible

When they are wild caught babies and added to our home Aquaria we need to do what ever it takes to get that little guy thriving... so i have also been forced to give in to the babies.. once they are healthy and are established i wean them onto pellets etc..

 

[libayn]

to the questions of are minnows safe i dunno but to be safe you can always feed silversides in place if live feeders.it adds to there diet with out worry.

 

[Convict Cichlids]

i was thinking of buying that