Frozen Food

[malky.g]

I was going to buy some frozen prawns and any other food that looked good for my Green Spotted Puffer from the supermarket. Should I defrost it first before I put it in the tank or will the tank do it quick enough for my Puffer to enjoy? Also how mush should I give him or her in one day? Thanks.

 

[nmonks]

Defrost first, and pour away the slush that comes off. This is especially important with other frozen foods like bloodworms, where the slush simply causes pollution. Your fish shouldn't eat frozen food frozen, ever.

Although prawns are good, mussels are better, because they have the "guts" in place and these are filled with algae. Basically "gut loaded", which means more vitamins.

Cheers, Neale

 

[Puffdaddy]

As for the amount to feed them, that would depend on how big your GSP's are. Feed them snails to. Snails are a must, they help keep there teeth trimmed and are a favorite food source in the wild.

 

[Fella]

Your fish shouldn't eat frozen food frozen, ever.

Does this cause fish any serious harm? I'm not questioning it, just wondering the science behind it (and because I loathe the smell of bloodworm)? I always justify it on the basis that if I eat a frozen food, it defrosts in my mouth without causing me any long term harm.

 

[malky.g]

As for the amount to feed them, that would depend on how big your GSP's are. Feed them snails to. Snails are a must, they help keep there teeth trimmed and are a favorite food source in the wild.

I baught prawns from the supermarket yesterday. Defrosted 2 and gave to him he ate 1 but only nibbled at the other so I'm thinking 1 at a time twice a day. Would sea snails or regular garden snails be ok? He is about 2.5 ". Thanks alot for tne advice.
p.s He loved the prawns. I've never seen him eat something so quick.

 

[idlefingers]

Your fish shouldn't eat frozen food frozen, ever.

Does this cause fish any serious harm? I'm not questioning it, just wondering the science behind it (and because I loathe the smell of bloodworm)? I always justify it on the basis that if I eat a frozen food, it defrosts in my mouth without causing me any long term harm.

I don't know, but your body is much warmer than the fishes and so the ice will melt much quicker for you. Plus, you're warm blooded, so eating a cold ice cube is not going to change your body temperature like it could a cold-blooded animal.

That's just a guess.. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm wrong (definitely wouldn't be the first time )

 

[nmonks]

Prawns are good and cheap, and I regularly keep a bag of frozen cooking prawns (usually a £2 for a big bag from Tesco's or similar). But, they aren't balanced, in particularly containing thiaminase, which breaks down one of the B-vitamins (thiamin). So make sure you alternate with something else. Mussels are all-round the very best food for pufferfish, after snails at least. Mussels are packed with algae, which makes the nutritionally very, very good. They are also cheap, and you can re-freeze the ones you buy at the fishmongers without any problems (just don't eat them yourself after re-freezing!).

Garden snails can be used, but the problem is spraying with insecticides and other poisons in the garden. Snails pick these up, and the poison gets to your fish. I'd probably suggest collecting from the woods or some other nature reserve would be best, and then set up a colony in a barrel or something in a shed where you can feed them and keep them clean.

Cheers, Neale

p.s He loved the prawns. I've never seen him eat something so quick.

PS. Fella, I really have no idea whether frozen food does the fish harm or not. I'd guess a great chunk of ice would do a small fish no good at all, which is why I defrost the food first.