There’s a bewildering amount of different tropical fish foods available for our fish pets but which one(s) to choose?
Flake or pellet, live or freeze-dried, herbivore or omnivore, the choice is endless.
Different sizes of pellets, floating or sinking, algae wafers and frozen cubes, what do you choose that is best for your fish?
Let us help you decide…
Table of Contents
Top 5 Tropical Fish Foods
| # | Preview | Product | Quick Review |
| 1 |  | Fluval Bug Bites | Best Overall |
| 2 |  | Tetra Min Flakes | Good for a Community Tank |
| 3 |  | Tetra Prima Mini Granules | Ideal for Bottom Feeders |
| 4 |  | Hikari Micro Pellets | Great for Small Fish |
| 5 |  | Hikari Algae Wafers | Best For Algae Eating Fish |
What to Look for When Buying Tropical Fish Foods
Type of Fish
Your choice of tropical fish food should primarily be determined by the type of fish you keep.
Some fish, like Discuss or predatory fish like Cichlids, require a more specialized diet and you should do more research on their exact needs.
We are concentrating in this article on the more common tropical fish such as tetras, barbs, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and other small community fish.
All of those will benefit from a varied diet of both flakes and pellets supplemented with the occasional feed of freeze-dried or frozen foods.
If you keep fish that are pure herbivores, like Plecos then you will need to also add algae wafers or pellets.
Nutritional Value
Nearly all good fish foods nowadays are high in nutritional value, certainly the ones we have listed below.
A food that has the ingredients listed as fish meal, shrimp, or other seafood will have a good level of the proteins that our fish need to stay healthy and grow.
Remember though that nutrients in flake or pellet foods will deteriorate over time so it’s best to buy in smaller amounts so that the contents remain fresh.
Feeding Frequency
It is always best to feed tropical fish little and often. Feed 2 -3 times per day and only feed enough so that it is all consumed within 2 -3 minutes.
If in doubt, feed too little at each feeding.
Excess food left uneaten in your tank will pollute the water leading to numerous problems from cloudy water to excessive algae growth and even fish deaths.
Tropical Fish Food Product Reviews
Here are my reviews of the best tropical fish food products:-
1. Fluval Bug Bites
Fluval Bug Bites are made using a unique and sustainable cultivation process.
Black Soldier Fly larvae are grown under controlled conditions feeding on unconsumed fruits and vegetables (that would otherwise go to waste).
The larvae are then dried and mixed with high quality salmon, essential amino acids and other minerals, offering a nutritious daily diet.
Multiple formulas are available to suit whatever tropical fish you keep.
Fluval Bug Bites:-
- Tropical Flakes
- Tropical Granules
- Colour Enhancing Flakes
- Spirulina
- Bottom Feeder
- Cichlid Formula
Pros
- Sustainably processed
- Multiple formulas
- Highly Nutritious
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
2. Tetra Min Flakes
Tetra Min Flakes offer a complete, balanced diet for all tropical fish.
Made with their own ‘ActiveFormula’ which helps maintain a healthy immune system.
As the flakes are efficiently used by fish this should lead to cleaner water.
Pros
- Suitable for large and small fish
- Low waste
Cons
- Flakes alone may not be sufficient for all types of fish
3. Tetra Prima Mini Granules
Tetra Prima Mini Granules is a complete food for small mid-water and bottom-feeding fish.
As with the flakes, the granules are made with Tetra’s ‘ActiveFormula’ which helps maintain a healthy immune system.
Contains a mix of herbivore and omnivore granules to cater to different dietary needs in a mixed community aquarium.
Pros
- Slow sinking
- For herbivore and omnivore fish species
Cons
- Mid to bottom feeders only
4. Hikari Micro Pellets
Hikari Micro Pellets are ideal for Tetras, Barbs and other small-mouthed tropical fish.
Made from a premium marine and vegetable protein mix which is ideal for small tropical fish that require higher energy reserves.
Includes krill and spirulina to promote vivid colouration in brightly coloured species.
Pros
- Small pellet size
- Soft texture
Cons
- Smaller fish only
5. Hikari Algae Wafers
Hikari Algae Wafers are perfect for Plecos and other algae eating fish.
Rich in natural green algae and with a balance of premium quality ingredients.
Pros
- Great for Plecos and catfish
Cons
- Care needed to not overfeed
Conclusion
Whatever tropical fish you keep you want to be feeding them the best for good health and growth. We really like Fluval’s Bug Bites and they get our best overall vote.
There’s a variety for all but the most specialized fish, they’re great value and the high nutritional value is hard to beat.
Tropical Fish Food FAQs
How many times a day should I feed tropical fish? – Ideally, you should feed tropical fish a small amount, 2 or 3 times a day. The fish should eat all the food in under 2-3 minutes or you are in danger of overfeeding.
Can I feed my tropical fish too much?– Yes, and it’s surprisingly easy to do. After all, they always look hungry! The fish should eat all the food you put in, in under 2-3 minutes. Overfeeding can pollute your tank leading to algae problems and even fish deaths.
How long can tropical fish go without food? – Ideally no longer than 3 – 4 days, 7 at a push. Smaller fish are generally more active and so need more regular feedings than larger, slower-moving fish so it depends on what type of fish you keep.
Which is better for tropical fish, flake or pellets? – Pellets are generally thought to be more nutritional. Their shape allows them to hold onto water-soluble vitamins longer. It’s probably best to add a mixture of both flakes and pellets. Also, larger pellets may not be easily digested by very small fish or fry so flakes are better for those.
Are Fluval Bug Bites any good? – Yes, very good! Great value and highly nutritious. We rate them the best overall for fish health and growth.