Author Topic: Alternatives To Courgette? (Read 4943 times) 5 replies

jaypeecee · « **on:** March 06, 2019, 07:32:39 PM »

Hi Folks,

Can anyone recommend any alternatives to courgette for feeding plecs, catfish, etc? I am aware that some people use cucumber so I guess that's an option. The problem that I find with courgette is that, even after just a few hours of being in the tank, it releases lots of tiny strands into the water. Not good when trying to keep organic waste to a minimum!

I only briefly blanch circular courgette slices in freshly-boiled water. Does anyone remove the central seed part? Or, perhaps slice it lengthways into strips? And what about carrot - is that suitable? I have tried red pepper but my Red Lizard Catfish (RLC) shows little interest in it. Courgette, on the other hand, is favoured by my Otos, RLC, Siamese Algae Eaters (SAEs) and Panda Garras.

Thanks in advance.

JPC

Littlefish · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2019, 07:54:18 PM »

I have panda garras, plecs, hillstream loaches, and gobies in the river tank, so I tend to slice courgette in half along the length and put both pieces in.
With cucumber I cut along the length, scrape out the middle seed bit, and push a few mini wafers into the remaining cucumber.
My gang have also had carrots and baby sweetcorn.

Matt · « **Reply #2 on:** March 06, 2019, 08:50:27 PM »

I believe there are numerous options... peppers, sweet potato, spinach etc etc. but I'm afraid I've not tried any of these myself.

Hampalong · « **Reply #3 on:** March 06, 2019, 09:17:08 PM »

It’s probably the blanching that causes the strands, as I’ve never encountered them. I never blanch anything. Veg releases different compounds (ie tastes) at different stages of its breakdown. Different fish/species prefer it at different stages. I’ve found most fish (ime) prefer it before it gets too soft. I always leave the seeds in, as most plecs (again ime) eat the seeds first.

I’ve also fed carrot, potato, Nori, sweet peppers, apple...

I always use organic, especially courgette and cucumber (and apple), as these are heavily laced with pesticides and fungicides.

Littlefish · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2019, 09:20:58 AM »

In the past few years I've been very pleased with the cucumbers I've grown in pots in the garden. A sunny spot, something to climb up, and "fed" with water from the fish tanks, provide myself and the fish with all we can eat for several months.
We've also grown courgette and carrots.
Very organic, and nice to have something to do with the fish waste.

jaypeecee · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2019, 03:55:51 PM »

Quote from: Hampalong on March 06, 2019, 09:17:08 PM

It’s probably the blanching that causes the strands, as I’ve never encountered them. I never blanch anything. Veg releases different compounds (ie tastes) at different stages of its breakdown. Different fish/species prefer it at different stages. I’ve found most fish (ime) prefer it before it gets too soft. I always leave the seeds in, as most plecs (again ime) eat the seeds first.

I’ve also fed carrot, potato, Nori, sweet peppers, apple...

I always use organic, especially courgette and cucumber (and apple), as these are heavily laced with pesticides and fungicides.

Hi Hampalong,

Thanks for the feedback.

I'll try unblanched courgettes again. Although I have done this in the past, I can't remember if it produced loose strands. I also take your point about using organic vegetables and fruit.

JPC

Alternatives To Courgette?

Alternatives To Courgette?

Author Topic: Alternatives To Courgette? (Read 4943 times) 5 replies

jaypeecee

Alternatives To Courgette?

Littlefish

Re: Alternatives To Courgette?

Matt

Re: Alternatives To Courgette?

Hampalong

Re: Alternatives To Courgette?

Littlefish

Re: Alternatives To Courgette?

jaypeecee

Re: Alternatives To Courgette?

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