Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all!

So I have just finished building my system and am in the process of cycling it without fish. I just realized, however, that I do not know what feed is best for gold fish. Any suggestions? I'm ruling out BSFL, worms, and duckweed until I get more comfortable with the system.

Thank you!

Usually they need feed that has more carbs and less protein than regular fish feed. Most pet stores sell goldfish feed. Some people say you shouldn't give them floating food, as it can lead to issues if they gobble up air with it, but I haven't noticed any problem with it yet.

They also love peas, just make sure you peel the skin off them first.

Goldfish can handle feeds up to 40% protein, but aim for something tilapia would eat (they live on a similar diet). And I had fish dying on mass when I switched to floating feed, they stopped dying when I changed to sinking, goldfish don't have stomachs, so the air continues through their system and causes issues.

Hey Colum - that is interesting issue with Goldfish and have probably lost the odd one that way.



lots of goldfish food on the market is floating, and getting harder and harder to find sinking uncoloured pellets.
what brand do you get ?


I use flakes a lot, crush them a bit and gently splash the surface which causes the flakes to become submerged.

"They also love peas, just make sure you peel the skin off them first."

that sounds like hard work

Go for the aquaculture feeds. Way cheaper than anything you can buy in pet stores.

I've gotten from here recently:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/idealfishfeed?fref=ts

Good and quick service, and a member on here.

And I've gotten from here, with no dramas:
http://www.bignutrition.com.au/

I'd recommend buying larger amounts, and it'll last you for a while and be cheaper with the postage.

We fed the same barra/trout floating pellets to goldies for many years at the shop.. Can't remember any deaths and now they are huge..

Fair enough! thanks for all the info!

Mine were all going well, then I changed up the feed to the floating type, and they starting dying 5 at a time. I changed the feed, and they stopped dying.

Maybe some floating feeds have more air in it than others?