Vegetable Matter

[RothChyld]

I generally buy the seaweed selects to feed vegetable matter to my livestock. I know people put in romaine, broccoli, etc but they have to blanch it first. I think this would mean putting it in boiling water for about 3 minutes or so but wanted to confirm as I am no chef. :shake:

Also do you recommend mixing the veggies up or just sticking with seaweed selects? I have been doing this for about 4 years not with no adverse effects but wondered about mixing it up a bit.

Thanks!

 

[gbolton]

I just use seaweeds I have never used any vegetables that are not natural to the reefs.

 

[OrionGirl]

I'd stick with the seaweed as well. The cellulose in terrestrial plants is different than the aquatic plants, and won't be as digestible to the fish. While it's better than nothing, it's definitely second rate for marine fish.

For FW fish, it doesn't have to be boiled. Usually, if you want it to sink, blanching it for 30 seconds in boiling water (ie, get the water to a roiling boil, remove from heat, dump in the veggie, leave for 30 seconds and cool rinse) will make it sink, but itsn't needed to the fish to eat it.

 

[gbolton]

Also if you try to get it to sink and it doesnt all get eaten you have to get it out of the tank. I prefer clips so you can just take if off the side when you are done.

 

[Max]

also the plants you mentioned will add lots more phosphate, nitrate and nitrite to your water than the sea weed will. Just something to keep in mind in avoiding algae blooms in reef tanks.
hth
chris
P.s
If you do decided to use these plant foods wash them very well to avoid adding fertaliser or pesticides.