What foods should I use to avoid Bloat?

[Complexity]

I've read that I need to be careful to not feed Malawi cichlids high protein foods or they'll get bloat. After trying a few things, I found that they love some basic Tetra Spirulina Flake food I had on hand. They also love cucumber (preferred much more than zuchinni). They're hilarious with algae wafers (they pick them up and swim around with them); they seem to love them.

I'd prefer to feed a variety of foods, not just one or two kinds. I'm also not a fan of Tetra foods. I'd like to explore other options. Maybe a higher quality brand of Spirulina flakes? Or other kinds of foods (frozen, small pellet, fresh veggie, anything).

What foods would be recommended for Malawi cichlids? Right now, I have the yellow labs, and I'm considering doing the standard labs, haps, and peacocks combo (although this may change as I continue to explore possibilities). I also have bristlenose plecos and petricola cats.

[FrontosaurusRex]

When I had a Malawi tank, I fed them NLS Cichlid Formula along with some frozen brine and mysis shrimp. I used to feed them algea wafers also and they are quite comical to watch. I have to feed my Trophs NLS Cichlid Formula so they dont get too much protein also and so far so good. Good luck with your search.

[Lawsman]

You will get a lot of different opinions on this topic. I agree and has good luck so far with NLS as stated above. I also use Spirulana flake from www.Kensfish.com. They have a lot to choose from. I have Tangs and use the one specifically for tangs, but they also have numerous other cichlid flake food. I have found it far superior to any other flake food. Again, that's my opinion and observation? So for what it's worth.............

[supadave]

Dainichi or NLS (New Life Spectrum).

[Fire_chair]

I use Dainichi.

[Mike B]

What is bloat? Have a tank with about a half a dozen mixed mbuna cichlids and I have been feeding tetra flake as the staple diet with a cube of frozen bloodworms thrown in the tank once a week for a treat, is this the wrong food for them?
Mike B

[supadave]

What is bloat? Have a tank with about a half a dozen mixed mbuna cichlids and I have been feeding tetra flake as the staple diet with a cube of frozen bloodworms thrown in the tank once a week for a treat, is this the wrong food for them?
Mike B

Here's a pretty good link for you.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/malawi_bloat.php

[wesleydnunder]

A variety is always best, Vicki; blanched peas, green beans, spinach, greens and other fresh veggies should augment any malawian feeding regimen. The mbuna love fresh veggies as do other species. The added roughage will help keep digestive tracts clean. I also fast my fish at least one day a week to allow them to purge their intestines. For prepared foods, pre-soaking pellets can keep them from swelling in the fish's belly as they can sometimes do when eaten dry.

Mark

[Complexity]

Thanks to everyone who offered such great ideas! So here's my list of foods.

NLS cichlid formula — |||
frozen brine shrimp — |
frozen mysis shrimp — |
Spirulana flake(Kensfish) — |
Dainichi — ||
blanched peas, green beans, spinach, greens and other fresh veggies — |

Looks like NLS is a favorite. I never heard of Dainichi so I'll have to check that one out. I also appreciate the list of fresh veggies I can offer since I think that should be included in the diet (plus, the fish love them).

I'm a little concerned about feeding frozen brine and mysis shrimp. I'm thinking frozen brine shrimp with spirulina is probably a good option, but isn't frozen mysis shrimp a little too large for the fish? Should I restrict this to only larger cichlids or is it okay to give to them while they're still pretty small (about 3")?

[wesleydnunder]

I don't think mysis are too big for 3" fish. If the fish do find them too large, they'll bite them into pieces.

Mark

[Complexity]

Thanks, Mark! I'll give mysis a try. I already have some on hand.

Question about the Dainichi — which formula do you guys recommend? They all look really good. Maybe I should get 2 types for variety?

Ideally, the fish will get a different food each day of the week to ensure a good variety. I'll skip 1 day each week to help ensure that their digestive tracks clear.

[Fire_chair]

I use all of the different types of Dainichi mixed together. I try to use Ultima or one of the Veggies as a base. Stay away from worms, mainly blood and tubifix, with Mbuna because their body segments can supposedly get lodged in their intestines and cause Bloat.

[geoff_tropheus]

NLS, Dainichi, and Hikari Excel are all excellent pellet foods that when used properly, dont over feed, you should be fine.

Any quality flake food is going to be just as nice.

Fresh Veggies are always a plus, and with Malawi fish Mysis and Brine are not a issue.

The key really is clean water, and dont over feed

Best of Luck!!

[Complexity]

Thanks for the added info!

I guess I'll get one of the Dainichi veggie foods for sure, and then throw in a second food, maybe ultima or one of the color foods. I have always like Hikari foods, but never noticed Excel so I'll look into that, as well.

I think this gives me a good mix of foods to offer. A little frozen, some fresh, and a variety of high quality pellets and flakes. This is the kind of variety I was hoping for. Thanks everyone!

[Complexity]

Where are you guys getting the Dainichi? I don't want a huge amount, but I'm not finding good sources for the 8.8oz packages (it seems they've discontinued the 2oz packs or I'd get those).