Is there a need to make your own fish food?

[HNLim]

I have been pondering over the idea of making my own fish food for years. I have tried it several times especially during the early days of fish keeping. I even have the recipes from a Japanese breeder. However, over the years, I have come to this conclusion that it is far better to buy fish food from the LFS than to make them yourself.

So, what advantages are there if any in making your own fish food?

[Virginia ranchu]

For me, it is less expensive to make my own fish food than to keep buying it at the LFS. About the only stores left in my area are the big chains, and they charge a lot for a small bag of food. I also think the high moisture and high vegetable content seems to agree with the fish. My fish don't have floating problems when I feed them home made gel foods, and they grow faster and spawn more often when I feed it. If you've ever read the Hess book "Fancy Goldfish", read Kroshinsky's chapter on breeding ranchu. He swears by his homemade gel food.

Rob

[gusgail]

Hi!
what is an LFS?

[bekko]

Local Fish Store

Gel food is definitely a lot more expensive than industrial fish foods. When you figure that gel food is about 70% water and pellets are only 8-10% water the margin between gel food and pet store food narrows.

The advantage of gel food may be that you can customize it.... if you know what you're doing. You can enhance or exclude color enhancer, manipulate the protein and fat levels, increase the fiber content, add ingredients to stimulate spawning, etc. You also know if you are getting high-quality protein sources.

The disadvantage is that most of us don't know what we're doing and gel food is a real pain in the rear to make and store.

If you prowl around on the forums you can read of people making up a gel food concoction based on what appeals to them at the moment and what is in the cupboard. If they are vegan they may feel that their fish should not eat any animal protein either. So, if you are going to make gel food then do your homework first.

-steve

[bigbettadan]

I think it depends on how many fish you have. Since I raise only Japanese ranchu, it is easier for me to buy quality frozen and freeze dried bloodworms and pellets, Though I do feed cooked rice regularly. I do have a quality pellet I order the the IBC which I love(atisions betta pro) which I have great success with. But alot comes down to personal preferance.
Dan

[gusgail]

Thanks Steve!