Live Food And Leeches. What's Up With That?

[branjie]

Hi, I was at a LFS yesterday, and asked about live food. They said they had bloodworms and brine shrimp. I figured they might be a nice treat for my fish, but I'd better ask a few questions. The guy ended up admiting that one problem you can get from live food, is leeches. WTF? I didn't end up buying any after that. Has anyone had any good or bad experiences with live food?

 

[*Fishkies*]

I have feed live brine shrimp to my fry, never had problems. I have fed frozen foods to my fish before on rare occasions, never had problems. I have fed freeze-dried blood worms, never had problems.

Not sure what that is all about, but maybe someone with more experience with live foods can add to that.

 

[community begginer]

i do the same..... never heard of it..... i wouldnt worry too much...... how can sooo many people be wrong...... we all feed live food.... go for it...

 

[xxBarneyxx]

i do the same..... never heard of it..... i wouldnt worry too much...... how can sooo many people be wrong...... we all feed live food.... go for it...

I have heard about parasites being introduced with live food. Thats why the only live food I use is stuff I have grown myself. I have used frozen and dried food though with no known problems.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

Leeches are found commonly among black worms

 

[sezra]

Leeches are found commonly among black worms

I often feed frozen blood worms, at least once a week actually and i have never had any problems what-so-ever. The fish love it and its good for them! I have heard of parasites and in some cases diseases being introduced through the feeding of live foods, but honestly dont let it ruin your experience, I think its really rare. Just keep an eye on your fish in order to spot any potential problems early, and even if anything were to happen, catch it early enough and it will fine.

Go for it!

 

[brooksbychris]

what happens when you just "chuck" a cube into the water, the Phosphates will leak out of the water that the food is frozen in, the best way to minimalise the amount of bad things that come from the food is, place the food in a container with water so that it defrosts then tip the contents into a net, so that its only the food left, this will reduce the things that leak in to the aquarium though food.

hope this has cleared it up a little.

chris lucas