Zebra Cichlids and Algae Wafers

[ChrisShip]

Is it OK to feed zebra cichlids algae wafers? From what I've read their diet in the wild is mostly algae. They seem to really enjoy the algea wafers I have given them as a test. Thanks for any help with this.

 

[Orion]

It's not going to hurt a bit as a treat, but I don't think I would rely on that as a everyday diet for them. I would look for something lean on the protein and heavy on the veggies to give them more of what they need.

 

[ChrisShip]

I use Hikari Cichlid Staple/Excell for the most part, the algae wafers is just something I thought I'd try.. I think I will go with the algae wafer perhaps every other day for one of their feedings. Or do you think it should be more of a weekly treat?

 

[straitjacket]

They can have them everyday if you wanted to hand them out that often. It certainly wouldn't hurt but I think Orion meant that you shouldn't rely on the algae wafers as their primary diet.
All my mbuna always loved algae wafers and even the haps would get into the wafer-tag game lol. It's pretty fun watching them fight over a wafer.

 

[ChrisShip]

Thanks Strait, thats clears things up a bit. I think I will stick to giving them the algea wafers every other day. They seem to prefer to eat these and foresake there other food.