food color

[infant340]

this morning i had a strange feeling was wonder if for some reason i acidentally added food color to my fish tank would it kill the fish?

 

[Bubble]

i don't think so. It would enhance your fish color.

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> It would enhance your fish color.

Can't see that at all.

In all probablility, it would not kill the fish, however, I've never heard of anyone trying. What would happen is the dye would absorb light at particular wavelengths which, depending on the dye, could impact on plant growth. What might also happen is the dye might kill or damage the beneficial bacteria in your filter, some organic dyes, (Meth. Blue for example), are notorious for doing that.

I wouldn't try it.

 

[infant340]

hmm i was thinking if i did acidentally happen, i only have the normal food color.

 

[Bubble]

I have Hai Feng - Fast Color for gold fish. It said:

"Krill Shirmp, Spirulina, natural and artificial colors containted in this food will enhance the natural color of your fish, especially RED. Color will get brighter and stronger within 2-4 weeks"

and most of LFS in my area recommend this one.

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> I have Hai Feng - Fast Color for gold fish.

There is a difference between "colour food" , and food colouring. One is eaten by the fish and contains certain biologically active colourants designed to have the effect. The other is a water born dye designed to be biologically inert to higher animals - for obvious reasons, (you eat something with blue food colouring in it - do you want to turn blue?).

I still suggest this is unwise. How can you "accidently" add food colouring to your aquarium?

 

[Bubble]

ah..thanks for the info. That is something new to me.

 

[kev]

hmm i was thinking if i did acidentally happen, i only have the normal food color.

Do juggle food colouring next to your tank??

 

[Kossy]

Ahh well as food coloring will enchance color it is not good for any fish. This is simply due to the fact that its artificial. In the long run it is not healthy for your fish at all. Many color enchancing foods have food coloring in them and they aren't good for fish in the long run. However a one off use sjhouln't do anythign tragic.