How Long Does Food Last???

[val]

I have a tank that I'm starting with 2 keyhole cichlids. I have a bag of Hikari Cichlid pellets that has been unopened for 3 - 4 years, I think. Is this food still good? It seems to be the only thing they're eating -- they do not like my flake food, Hikari's micro granules or algae disks. I mean, it was vacuum sealed.

Thanks,

Val

 

[Tightdog1]

yes the food should still be good, if it was opened previously then questionalbe but if still vacumn sealed then it should be fine especially if its the only thing your fish are eating.

 

[goldfish freak]

Hikari usually has an expiry date on all their packages of food. Yours should have one, check the back of the package on the bottom corner.

 

[NJ Devils Fan]

I think that the food would still be good for a little time after the expiration date if you never oppened it.

 

[beviking]

Nutrients break down at different rates. I'm sure vaccum sealing helps slow down this process as does keeping it out of extreme heat. I would say...see next posts!

 

[TnCgal]

beviking,

No offense, but what's the big deal with buying a new bag of food ? What does it cost, $6 or $7 ??

Nutrients do weaken over time and while the food may still be "good", I doubt seriously that your fish are getting the nutrients they need from food that old. Jeez, why chance it.

 

[beviking]

TnCgal, you are absolutely correct. I thought about this after posting and given the fact that it would take a while for problems caused by nutrient deficiency to show up, and time after to correct, one would certainly be better off (and so would the fish) to just buy new food. I was trying too hard to answer the question instead of offering better advice! Although, to the "Is the food still good?" question, I could have just answered, "Try it and find out!"

 

[val]

Well actually, TnC, I've tried the fish on four different foods over the past two weeks and not found any they like. And, spending $30 or mor trying to find food is a little out of my range. Hence, the question.

Val

 

[beviking]

Val, I think TnC was suggesting you buy a new bag of Hikari Cichlid Pellets. That way, you know they like it and don't have to worry about nutrient deficiency.

Bill

 

[Slappy*McFish]

My keyhole loves TetraMin pro crisps and frozen bloodworms/brineshrimp.