What are you feeding your texas cichlids?

I have 2 texas cichlids in a 180 with 2 jacks, an oscar, and a royal pleco. They are prob only about 4 inches at this point and yes, they are growing slow. They have completely stopped coming to the surface for feedings so I've resorted to sinking pellets etc. They are never too excited for food. I get the impression they prefer to forage around while digging through the substrate. Of course I'm concerned they aren't getting enough food. They seem to like peas and blood worms as well but still won't aggressively go after anything. Considering cutting to once a day feeding but I was goping for sone quicker growth. I really would like to stick with pellets as a base and then provide other treats. Just interested in hearing what others are doing. Thanks.

 

They're usually more eager feeders than you describe, and not all that fussy. What are the water parameters, and how much do you water change?

 

I'm usually at 0 on ammonia and nitrite. Nitrate around 20. I'm pretty religious about water changes and do 50 gallons every week. These fish aren't nearly full grown yet so I figured that was plenty. Plus water tests are good. The jacks are eating fine and so is the oscar assuming I give him stuff he likes. The only thing I'm thinking is stress from aggression. They seem scared of the oscar because he's bigger of course. The jacks are well....jacks. but texas can hold there own better than most.

 

Ok so not high nitrates then. Aggression/fear sounds plausible. Little do they know (yet) that the Oscar will be no match for them when they're bigger...

 

Ha! I know. I think they'll be ok. I'm upgrading one of my filters to a Fluval fx6 (should have it by tomorrow). Once that's on there I'm moving my other oscar in there who's even bigger. Wanted to do that before the texas got too big so they can get used to one another.

 

I have been feeding my texas and oscar homemade gel food once a day and mealworms for a treat. They have been growing very fast and showing beautiful colors since I started with the homemade food. The Texas eats right out of my hand.

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I've been along gel food as well. Oscars are loving it. Texas cichlids won't touch it. They've been eating mostly these New Life Spectrum pellets now. They seem to like those.