What size NLS for large Amphilophus/Vieja and where to buy large size

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NW Cichlid Keith

NW Cichlid Keith

Dovii
MFK Member
Jun 6, 2016
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Atlanta, Georgia
I've been following a lot of the discussions on food and I'm ready to try NLS exclusively for a time. Right now, my fish have mostly been eating Omega One shrimp pellets and Krill, as it is larger - everything else is just small treats. They used to eat NLS heavily, but have moved away as it seems too small to bother. Mostly the catfish, HRP and clown loaches clean it up. I can only find in 1MM and 3MM. I also don't feed it in my gravel tanks as it is too small and gets in the gravel - have only been using in my sand tanks. What size do you all recommend as fish get into that 10-12"+ range, and if I wanted to buy a larger size in bulk - what is the best place to find it online? Appreciate the help.
 
I feed my 12" Amph NLS Float Surface Feeder X-Large (4.5mm).

There's a larger size floating pellet (Jumbo 7.5mm) but IMO it's too large for 12" fish, and a lot of it will be wasted and that waste will degrade water quality. Larger than 3mm in sinking, is 10 mm, which is rock hard and far too large for the fish that you have. They (New Life) need a 6mm sinking in the regular formula .....

I live in the Great White North, so can't help you with a source - try Amazon for free shipping?
 
Ooops, my bad, getting old. lol Yes, I have fed that formula and size to the big boy as well in the past. Not as easy to find around here, hence why I mostly feed the floating.
 
Thanks Guys - is the floating the the sinking the same formula/healthiness? I assume the sinking would be more sense - would that equal more mess as well? Assuming I can find 4.5 floating and 6 sinking - any preference?
 
The 6mm is TherA formula, so slightly higher level of protein/fat, and much higher level of garlic, compared to the 4.5 mm floating. At the size of your fish, if they will eating floating, I would feed that. 6mm is a pretty big pellet for 9" cichlids, which will result in more chewing, and more waste. Not that they can't or won't eat it, but with pellets smaller is generally better, as there is less chewing, and more swallowing. You can always try a smaller container of both, then buy a bucket once you figure out what works best in your tank.
 
Thanks RD and Chockful O Phail, I went with the 4.5 floating - will try the 6 sinking when they get a little bigger. For those who want to buy in bulk, I found the cheapest price at:
1800PetSupplies.com - I'll reply back when it comes in to let folks know my experience
 
I think my clowns dig the extra garlic. I didn't know about the bigger float, I'll probably try some with my chocolate, it's gotta be better than the hikari cichlids gold.
 
I also feed the smaller sinking TherA pellets to my clown loaches, and have for many years.
 
I feed 3 mm to adult Vieja. I have overflows and I HATE floating food washing over the weirs and falling into the sump. So I want pellets that'll water log quick in a cup of water and sink when I pour it in the tank.
 
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