Do you own an aquarium full of fish? Even though these species are among the least demanding pets, they still require a healthy environment and proper nutrition.
Species differ in their diet requirements, depending on whether they are top-feeders, mid-feeders, or bottom dwellers. Hence, freshwater fish foods come in a vast array of sizes, shapes, and colors. Each form has its own advantages and drawbacks, based on the weight and amount of nutrients.
In case you need to buy freshwater fish food online, make sure you find a reliable store. These are the types of products to look for.
Dried foods
One of the best types of freshwater fish food is dried food, which comes in numerous variants. Regardless of whether your fish prefer insects or plants, dried food meets the needs of different species. It’s not only affordable but also long-lasting if stored properly. Make sure the package you buy doesn’t come in contact with moisture in order not to shorten its shelf life.
Flakes are undeniably the most commonly used variant of fish food, which are as thin as paper. These are excellent for species that swim near the water surface in aquariums. Flakes are known for losing their nutrient value very fast because of their quick dissolution in the water. Consequently, they aren’t appropriate for species living at the bottom of aquariums.
Moreover, flakes are available in a wide range of variants, suitable for specific species. Also, most of them have the ability to enhance the color of these creatures. Remember to read the label before making a purchase, as you might end up buying a type unsuitable for your fish.
Fish crisps, on the other hand, are a bit denser when compared to the flakes. The extra density provides them with a large number of advantages, such as being able to float longer and dissolve more slowly. Also, crisps are popular for their longer retention of nutrients and the low amount of waste they leave inside aquariums.
Given the number of above-mentioned advantages of crisps over flakes, it’s relatively surprising why individuals keep on using the latter. The main reason is the higher price of crisps, as well as their large size. Smaller species like neon tetra would find them overly large for their tiny mouths. Click here to check out 22 small fish for your freshwater aquarium.
In addition, pellets are another popular freshwater fish food type, available in three popular variants. For instance, floating pellets float on the surface of the water longer than flakes and crisps. It’s no wonder pellets float for longer time periods due to the amount of air they contain. Nevertheless, it’s common for these granules to cause bloating.
In contrast, slow-sinking pellets are excellent not just for top-feeding mid-feeding species as well. The name of these granules is self-explanatory, which means it takes a longer time for them to reach the bottom of the aquarium. Conversely, fast-sinking pellets reach the bottom incredibly fast, making them ideal for species dwelling at the bottom. The granules are higher in nutrients, thus requiring individuals to avoid overfeeding.
For fun feeding experience, fish owners are advised to choose stick-on tablets. These tablets stick to the front glass of aquariums, allowing fish to eat while their owners watch them. Nevertheless, stick-on tablets are rarely found in stores, which makes them less popular than other dried foods. The best chance to track them down is online.
Another popular variant for bottom feeders is the wafers. They sink to the bottom incredibly fast but dissolve rather slowly. Wafers shouldn’t be eaten at once but nibbled. These make a healthy and delicious meal for all species owing to the plants and vegetables used in the content. The following link, https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Fish, explains three handy methods of feeding fish.
Freeze-dried foods
Freeze-dried fish foods are produced with the help of a freeze-drying process. These refer to freeze-dried black worms, sludge worms, daphnia, brine shrimps, etc. These ingredients have a long shelf life, provided you follow the storage instructions. They can be crumbled into smaller pieces in order to be given to both large and small species.
Vacation feeders
The largest part of individuals is worried about keeping their fish fed while being on vacation or going away for the weekend. This is no longer a problem owing to the slow-release vacation feeders designed specifically for this purpose. These feeders have a capacity to keep fish satiated for as many as fourteen days. Due to the slow breakdown, your species will be provided with enough food for two weeks.
Nevertheless, make sure to test the effect of the vacation feeder before you go on a vacation. It often happens for species to be reluctant to eat or the water in the aquarium to become too cloudy. Since you won’t be performing a water change while on vacation, remember to test its quality beforehand.
Live ingredients
In the past, it was common for fish keepers to use live ingredients to feed their pets. Anyhow, these ingredients represent a potential threat of diseases, which find their way into the aquarium. Live foods should be sourced and farmed sustainably. The most popular variants include bloodworms, daphnia, tubifex, and Artemis. Also, mosquito larvae are a suitable choice for people who don’t mind growing them at home.
Frozen ingredients
Frozen ingredients refer to the above-mentioned live ingredients; only the former are found in the form of frozen cubes. You can either thaw the cubes or add them directly to the tank. Given the frozen form, these cubes can be kept much longer than live worms. Additionally, many individuals prefer this form because of the convenience of measuring servings. It’s important to remember not to thaw the cubes and then have them refrozen.
To sum up
It’s important to make the right choice of meals. Always look for meals with high-quality ingredients and high nutritional value.
Remember, each species has specific requirements. It’s your responsibility to follow them!
