Fresh veggies

[fantails]

Is it ok to leave fresh veggies in the aquarium all the time and if so how do you prevent the green leafy veggies from getting clogged in the intake tubes? My fish tear everything apart even if they aren't hungry.

[johnatoranchu]

Is it ok to leave fresh veggies in the aquarium all the time and if so how do you prevent the green leafy veggies from getting clogged in the intake tubes? My fish tear everything apart even if they aren't hungry.

If you are referring to leafy vegetables like cabbage/spinach/even lettuce then the answer is "no" as it will rot. Also it should be boiled to break down the cellulose. Vegetables are seldom necessary if you feed a good quality manufactured pellet or flake but if you think that your fish are "missing out" on fresh greens then feed them duck weed or soft aquatic plants.
John

[fantails]

I do feed a good homemade gel food. I don't like the commercial food. I usually would feed kale, zucchini that kind of stuff. What would you say would be a good quality pellet.

[johnatoranchu]

I do feed a good homemade gel food. I don't like the commercial food. I usually would feed kale, zucchini that kind of stuff. What would you say would be a good quality pellet.

We will differ here. Are you a nutritionist? If not, how do you know your homemade gel food is good? Stick with commercial food - better and safer shelf life and much more nutritious. Hikari, Omega One, Aquarian are all good foods. Don't know what real food value for fish there is in kale or zucchini but I suspect "not a lot".
John

[fantails]

I get my info from people who know there stuff. The Goldfish aquarium Board GAB. They break down all the nutrition for you in everything that is in there. Our fish do well and very healthy. Thanks any way.

[Cindy]

I used to have a really good recipe for Goldfish food. I havn't made it in a long time.( It REALLY smells up the house). I have switched to commercial brands and live foods. I do feed fresh veggies to my Apple snails and if it stays in the tank too long it really fouls up the water. A great alternative to feeding goldfish vegetables is to put some anacharis in the tank, they will nibble and pick it apart but whats left will grow instead of rotting and green stuff, In my opinion really benifits the fishes health.

[fantails]

Thanks I wrote that down.