What else to feed ABN fry

[Jkhuu]

This is the first time i had any pleco spawn for me so wanted to seek advice from the veteran breeders on what else to feed besides cooked zuchini.

They hatched last friday and tonight, I moved approx. 100 babies out of the cave and into the DIY fry saver. Wanted to make sure they get some good food.

Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

JK

[Bwhiskered]

All new pleco fry like live newly hatched baby brine shrimp. Algae waffers with spuralina and most of the pellets and earthworm sticks from Ken's Fish Foods. A good variety gives you healthy fish.

[Jkhuu]

All new pleco fry like live newly hatched baby brine shrimp. Algae waffers with spuralina and most of the pellets and earthworm sticks from Ken's Fish Foods. A good variety gives you healthy fish.

Thanks Charlie,

I am going start a batch of bbs tonight. I noticed today that they started eating. I put some softened NLS discus food and it was gone when I got back from diner. Looks like i have some food shopping to do just to give them some variety.

[jackson]

I was doing all this as well but once I started using green peas there was less of a die off and they started growing faster. I throw in some flakes as well but mostly green peas.

Tobalman told me zucchini can choke the fry. So I stopped feeding them zucchini.

[Jkhuu]

I was doing all this as well but once I started using green peas there was less of a die off and they started growing faster. I throw in some flakes as well but mostly green peas.

Tobalman told me zucchini can choke the fry. So I stopped feeding them zucchini.

Let me also try green peas. Hmmm...Good to also know about the zucchini hazard. I better keep an eye and wait until they are a bit older. Thanks

[Bwhiskered]

I was doing all this as well but once I started using green peas there was less of a die off and they started growing faster. I throw in some flakes as well but mostly green peas.

Tobalman told me zucchini can choke the fry. So I stopped feeding them zucchini.

I have never had a choking problem with zucchini. I have never heard of anyone else having that problem. In Europe they feed Brussel Sprouts and Kale. In the USA they feed Collard Greens that have been frozen. Some even feed Dandelion Greens or other garden weeds such as Lambs Quarters. All of these should be frozen first to help break them down. Most plecos are not crazy about them the first day but devour them the second day as the start to deteriorate.

[Katalyst]

I have never had a choking problem with zucchini. I have never heard of anyone else having that problem. In Europe they feed Brussel Sprouts and Kale. In the USA they feed Collard Greens that have been frozen. Some even feed Dandelion Greens or other garden weeds such as Lambs Quarters. All of these should be frozen first to help break them down. Most plecos are not crazy about them the first day but devour them the second day as the start to deteriorate.

I've never had any problems with zuchinni either and I feed it so much I grow it myself, along with dandelion. Frozen collard greens are also on the menu, I had no idea it was a USA thing. Another green my plecos really like are green beans. If you used canned make sure they are sodium free. I also feed my little guys Julian Sprungs sea veggies its not cheap but its preservative free.

If you check some of the labels of your fish foods for preservatives, you will probally see the word ethoxyquin or preservatives.


*Ethoxyquin, this is a cancer causing agents which the FDA permits if it used at low level. Ethoxyquin (EQ), for example, was found in dogs' livers and tissues months after it had been removed from their diet, and as of July 31, 1997, the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine requested that manufacturers reduce the maximum level for EQ be cut in half, to 75 parts per million.

http://www.preciouspets.org/report.htm

It was distubing to me how many brands/top line pet foods use this preservative. The article above is disturbing in general.


Lastly here's a study that suggests catfish prefer presevative free food.

http://www.naturalsciences.be/institute/associations/rbzs_website/bjz/back/pdf/BJZ%20134(2)/Volume%20134(2),%20pp.%20105-108.pdf

[Jkhuu]

Thanks Charlie/Kate. So far, I have stayed away from zuchinni fearing that it would choke the little guys. Now that they are a bit bigger (around 1/2"-3/4"), think i'll try Zuchinni too.

And some shopping to do for some of the other greens. My wife will probably think that i am starting to eat healthy :D

[tobalman]

zucchini do not choke the fry, but its slime will build up in the breeder net and after time if don't clean up properly, it will surffocate the fry. I found some of my fry die for no reason when I took a closer look I notice that its nose was cover by this slime. Now I only use sweet potato to feed them so that I will not have to clean up every day. LOL.

They seem to like potato too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v618/tobalman/extra/Feb19_2009_L144/_DSC2293.jpg

[plecmom]

Picture of them eating the potatoe is priceless!! I've fed slightly warmed apple... peal it and cut it in thin circles. Watermelon and honeydew melon were a bit hit too. Other then this I've fed them everything I feed my other pleco's except for the babies I used to blanch it just a bit to make it softer... it didn't last as long before it clouded water or started to fall apart, but it did the trick nicely.
Congrats on the fry by the way :)

[Jkhuu]

Hi plecmom,

I'll try some of the fruits you mentioned..Them frys are now approx. 1". Thanks for the ideas.

JK

[plecmom]

Good Luck! Hope all goes smoothly for you. They grow soooo fast.