vetteguy53081
Well known Member and monster tank lover
Partner Member 2024
Excellence Award
Reef Tank 365
RGB
Article Contributor
Tampa Bay Reef Keepers
West Palm Beach Reefer
Hospitality Award
Ocala Reef Club Member
305 Reef Club
Wisco Reefers
Midwest Reefer
Fish Medic
MAC of SW Florida
Rock Pool Reef Keepers
R2R Secret Santa 2023
My Tank Thread
My Aquarium Showcase
Often we see fish arrive at LFS thin, or we see tangs with HLLE and even fish losing weight while they feed well in your system. I attended a seminar which discussed fish nutrition a few weeks ago. Some interesting items were presented. Many believe if the fish eats, its satisfied and getting what it needs. Truth is, many fish have requirements often not met. There are carnivores, herbivores and other classifications that convert their foods into energy. So, using the word content, what is it that makes a good fish food and what can we add to assure the fish are getting what they need to prevent disorders?
Years ago, we depended on live foods. In the ocean there is plenty of phytoplankton which maintains the metabolism of many fish and mammals within. It is difficult for us to replicate this feeding regimen for captive fish but we have access to many live and frozen foods today which offer nourishment.
If available, best choice is zooplankton. Some foods that are often overlooked are copepods and other size pods which are high in value and nutrition. They actually contain vitamins, minerals and acids fish much require.
Rotifiers while small are great starter foods for baby fish such as cardinals, clowns and more . Mysis which has become more popular have a high protein level but lack vitamins and should be basted with selcon or similar vitamins.
Most popular and around for years is Brine shrimp. They are the easiest to find, easiest to feed and lowest in cost and best foods for enticing finicky feeders. There has been controversy as to the nutritional content of brine shrimp. What many reefers miss out on is standing water during the summer and overlooking mosquito wigglers often dancing around in bird bath and containers however they consume contaminants and can be a risk. Same with red bloodworms that dont digest easily.
Lastly is blackworms. They dont survive long in seawater and can fouls tanks but if eaten are nutritious.
Frozen foods. . . . . They are now available in every form of live foods, prepared diets and specialty diets like angel formula, carnivore blend, etc. Its easy to find, nutritious, easy to serve and portion. So, how do we know frozen food is fresh and not spoiled? Should be consistent and not turning white or dark or have a weird odor. Rotten frozen food is often still consumed by our inhabitants but can cause intestinal, toxicity and other issues, even death.
Then comes dried foods such as pellets and flakes often offered by a high percentile of reefers/fish owners. Flake has been around for decades as with now pelleted forms of foods which are heated and pressed into dies for shape and bonding made from raw materials. The heat helps retain carbs, starches and additives. Pellets contain more fat than flake foods but can be harder for some fish to digest.
Good foods contain all the vitamins, aminos, fatty acids, meats and plant based minerals to meet their nutritional needs. Does enrichment of foods make a difference?
They contain lipids which should be kept cool to maintain their useful life and lose their strength due to heat and oxygen. Garlic is supportive but not essential. Many believe garlic will sustain fish health as it contains vitamin a-b-c-k and potassium, but it does support immunity system but can also be overdosed. Vitamins are essential as a deficiency of such can weaken growth, vitality and affect muscle and tissue mass. Too much vitamins and aminos at times can lead to health issues including disease.
What foods do you feed and why do you choose the foods that you currently feed?
Years ago, we depended on live foods. In the ocean there is plenty of phytoplankton which maintains the metabolism of many fish and mammals within. It is difficult for us to replicate this feeding regimen for captive fish but we have access to many live and frozen foods today which offer nourishment.
If available, best choice is zooplankton. Some foods that are often overlooked are copepods and other size pods which are high in value and nutrition. They actually contain vitamins, minerals and acids fish much require.
Rotifiers while small are great starter foods for baby fish such as cardinals, clowns and more . Mysis which has become more popular have a high protein level but lack vitamins and should be basted with selcon or similar vitamins.
Most popular and around for years is Brine shrimp. They are the easiest to find, easiest to feed and lowest in cost and best foods for enticing finicky feeders. There has been controversy as to the nutritional content of brine shrimp. What many reefers miss out on is standing water during the summer and overlooking mosquito wigglers often dancing around in bird bath and containers however they consume contaminants and can be a risk. Same with red bloodworms that dont digest easily.
Lastly is blackworms. They dont survive long in seawater and can fouls tanks but if eaten are nutritious.
Frozen foods. . . . . They are now available in every form of live foods, prepared diets and specialty diets like angel formula, carnivore blend, etc. Its easy to find, nutritious, easy to serve and portion. So, how do we know frozen food is fresh and not spoiled? Should be consistent and not turning white or dark or have a weird odor. Rotten frozen food is often still consumed by our inhabitants but can cause intestinal, toxicity and other issues, even death.
Then comes dried foods such as pellets and flakes often offered by a high percentile of reefers/fish owners. Flake has been around for decades as with now pelleted forms of foods which are heated and pressed into dies for shape and bonding made from raw materials. The heat helps retain carbs, starches and additives. Pellets contain more fat than flake foods but can be harder for some fish to digest.
Good foods contain all the vitamins, aminos, fatty acids, meats and plant based minerals to meet their nutritional needs. Does enrichment of foods make a difference?
They contain lipids which should be kept cool to maintain their useful life and lose their strength due to heat and oxygen. Garlic is supportive but not essential. Many believe garlic will sustain fish health as it contains vitamin a-b-c-k and potassium, but it does support immunity system but can also be overdosed. Vitamins are essential as a deficiency of such can weaken growth, vitality and affect muscle and tissue mass. Too much vitamins and aminos at times can lead to health issues including disease.
What foods do you feed and why do you choose the foods that you currently feed?
