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what to feed my cichlids

3K views 22 replies 7 participants last post by  CrazedHoosier 
#1 ·
I have a few cichlids in my 55 gal along with an angel silver tip tiger barbs and a pangeous. ive been just feeding them tropical fish flake but just bought freeze dried bloodworms that ive started to introduce every now and then. im wondering if this is a good meal for my fish or if I should change what im feeding them
 
#5 ·
Tiger Barbs have a very small compatibility chart, very few fish will make it through their nipping. 4 Silver Dollars would actually be fine in a 55 gallon, but that's maxed out, and the Angel would have to go. You'd probably have to go with smaller community fish like Rams or Keyholes, but since that's not what he asked about, I will stop talking stock. Smaller, more peaceful Cichlids will be fine on that diet, but as you go up the line in size they'll probably prefer something bigger and more nutritious. I personally couldn't keep Oscars or larger Cichlids because I wouldn't have the heart to feed them live things. Usually people do feeder Goldfish, but they actually lack in nutrition. If I'm wrong on any of the feeding info, please correct me because all my info is from other people, books and the internet!
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#7 ·
Tiger barbs CAN be ok with angels .. That being said sometimes it doesn't work. However I'd like to hear how it's going for the OP before I judge. Thats not a concrete rule.

Most cichlids do well on NLS cichlid pellets .. but certain ones need other stuff in their diet. So species info is important before giving diet advice. If you're unsure of species a picture of your fish will help as I can usually identify species with a good clear side body shot and a straight on face shot.
 
#9 ·
Well, the Electric Yellow is from the most aggressive place in which Cichlids come. If the 2 Convicts breed they may kill everything in the tank, but if they're the same sex they may kill each other. Why would you get a fish if you don't know the name of it? It may be fine now, but it's not going to last! The convicts and Electric Yellows may be fine (maybe), but the slow moving, mild tempered Angelfish? Probably not. Could you post a picture of the Cichlid that you don't know about? I'd either rehome the Yellow Labs or return them as they get VERY aggressive! I'd also rehome/return one of your Convicts because 2 usually doesn't end well. 1 Angelfish and 1 Convict may be fine. Just remember the choice is all yours, and don't feel like you have to do what we say, it's just highly recommended.
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#10 ·
Actually the yellow lab is one of the most peaceful africans, still can be mildly aggressive. Two convicts if females will be just like a normal fish. Two males may fight. A male and female will breed and kill a good amount of stuff. It is not best to mix africans and south american cichlids. But it does work sometimes. I person that a buddy of mine knows has blue aceis with discus. So far no problem, but its sort of stupid. They like completely different water and they may fight. If you dont know the name of a fish, it means you just bought it. Which is never good. Research is VERY important in this hobby.

Also pangasius catfish get very large.

Are the cichlids you are talking about blue aceis?
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#11 ·
From my personal experience, Tiger Barbs and Angels do not mix. At all.


With the exception of an Albino Tiger that I had that used to try to prevent the other Tigers from going after him.
 
#13 ·
It was my 36 bow and there were 6 tiger barbs and 1 albino in the group.
 
#14 ·
okay I don't know the name of the two fish because I bought all of my fish about 5 months ago and have forgotten the name. as far as if this discussion goes on if my fish are going to mix fine or not is beginning to really get on my nerves. my black convicts are females so yes theyre fine. my electric yellow is a very mellow fish and has not bothered a single fish in the tank. the two I don't know the names of are mellow as well. very calm not nippy. anyone else who says my fish wont do well with eachother please keep it to yourself. and yes. I know the pangeous will get huge, im well aware of that. if I wanted to know all this information on the fish I would have asked that question. what I asked is if what I was feeding the fish was a good meal for them. stick to answering that question for me. thanks
 
#15 ·
The NLS mentioned is good as a staple, as would be a quality flake such as Omega One. Bloodworms are a real protein heavy food, use them more as a treat or a supplement. Add some frozen brine shrimp to the mix for a bit of roughage & you should be good to go.
 
#20 ·
Actually if the OP intends to keep the Africans (really shouldn't as they thrive in very hard water with marine salt in it.. Plus need a social structure that doesn't form the same way with these other cichlids ) no bloodworms !! The yellow labs are Mbuna .. Which are highly prone to Malawi bloat( which kills them )when fed such proteins . They're herbivores but can handle proteins from crustaceans . They are more peaceful then most Mbuna but that's relative .. A "peaceful mbuna " is not necessarily peaceful when compared to South American cichlids . They should stay relatively peaceful till they hit about 2inches . If they remain peaceful then that means they aren't thriving .
 
#18 ·
didnt say anyone was trying to start a fight nor did i want to start a fight and to tankman i simply asked this question because it is hard for me to get a hold of the food they "desire" or is "for cichlids" hard being im an hour away from my nearest petsmart or any store that carries many supplies for fish and my closest Walmart is 30 minutes away and has the flake and freeze dried blood worms. thus being said since im a 19 year old that starts my job next week i was hoping this would be a decent temporary meal until i could get something better and more nutritious for my fish. thanks.
 
#19 ·
You might be better off ordering online if anyplace that sells food is that far out. Last time I looked at a shop the prices were way out of line for an inferior product, I sell better food regionally for cheaper.
 
#21 ·
That's why I mentioned use as a treat or supplement, hit them heavy with it once & they're done. I've bred the labs, most anyone doing cichlids long enough has. The fry do well on bbs, but fry in general do better with a bit more protein. Frozen brine is a great thing for the adults, if you feed them the same as bristlenose they will love you long time!
 
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