Flake food or granulated food?

When feeding aquarium fish, aquarists are often faced with the question of whether they should use flake food or granulated food. Both types of food have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider the needs of the fish in order to make the right choice.

Advantages of flake food

• Versatility: flake food is available in different varieties and can be adapted to the specific nutritional needs of the fish
• Sinking behavior: Flake food stays on the surface of the water for longer, making it easier for fish to reach and eat.
• Vitamin supplements: Many flake foods contain important vitamins and nutrients that contribute to fish health.
• Easier to control the amount fed: As flake food can be dosed in small portions, it is easier to avoid overfeeding
• Cost-effective: flake food is generally cheaper than granulated food
• Preferred by surface fish: Fish that mainly feed on the surface of the water often prefer flake food.

Disadvantages of flake food

• Cloudy water: flake food can cause the water in the aquarium to become cloudy if it is not eaten immediately
• Loss of nutrients: As flake food floats on the surface, it can result in some nutrients not being absorbed by the fish.
• Quality differences: The quality of flake food can vary greatly, so it is important to choose high-quality brands to ensure good nutrition for the fish
• Not a choice for bottom-dwelling fish species: Flake food may be less suitable for fish species that inhabit the bottom of the aquarium.
• Danger of overfeeding: As flake food easily remains on the surface, there is a risk that the fish will eat too much of it.

Advantages of granulated food

• Better nutrient absorption: granulated food sinks faster and allows the fish to absorb nutrients more efficiently
• Less water turbidity: As granulated food is eaten more quickly, it is less likely to cause turbidity in the aquarium water
• Easy to dose: Granulated food can be easily dosed in the desired amount to avoid overfeeding.
• Choice for bottom-dwelling fish species: Granulated food is a good choice for fish species that prefer the bottom of the aquarium.
• Long shelf life: granulated food often has a longer shelf life than flake food
• Suitable for larger fish: Granulated food is often more suitable for larger fish species due to its size and density.

Disadvantages of granulated food

• Limited variety: Compared to flake food, the selection of granulated food varieties may be more limited
• Sinking behavior: Some granular foods may not sink fast enough to be reached by all fish species.
• Price: High-quality granulated food can be more expensive than flake food.
• Clogging of filters: Granulated food can cause the filters in the aquarium to clog more quickly.
• Limited floating time: Granulated food does not stay on the water surface as long as flake food, which can be a disadvantage for surface fish.

Making the right choice

In the end, the choice between flake food and granulated food depends on the individual needs of the fish species, the water quality and the preferences of the aquarist. It can also be useful to alternate between the two types of food to ensure a balanced diet and offer the fish variety. A combination of flake food and granulated food allows the fish to feed both on the surface and at the bottom of the aquarium.

It is advisable to find out about the specific needs of the fish species before buying fish food and to choose high-quality products from trustworthy manufacturers. A balanced diet, regular feeding and avoiding overfeeding make a significant contribution to the well-being and health of aquarium fish.

The choice between flake food and granulated food is ultimately an individual decision that should be based on the specific needs of the fish species. If you are unsure, you can also ask a specialist retailer or an experienced aquarist for advice.