Panther grouper feeding

[j-spot]

I am pretty new to the hobby of saltwater tanks. I actually inherited a tank containing a panther grouper and a snow flake eel. Both have been fed a diet of gold fish by the previous owner for a few months. I have read several places that this is not good for the fish and so I have tried other foods to try and get away from the gold fish. I am having no luck with the grouper but the eel will take pieces of raw shrimp from me off a bamboo stick. I did go to the local pet store and they pretty much encouraged me to stick with the gold fish or use goupies, telling me there is no harm in this. So I am wondering what I should do, stick with the diet they are used to, gold fish and goupies, or is there something out there that the 2 will not refuse?

 

[smallfry]

I have both a Panther and a SFE and they eat krill, silversides, squid. The Panter will eat brine and canned pettets as well I dont think there is anything the Panther won't eat

It they wont take the food at first just keep trying and they will...
Good luck

 

[carshark]

also maybe try to encorporate garlic into their foods, soaking the frozen food in garlic before serving it, it will entice them to eat what you want them too, dont listen to your LFS live feeders, especially freshwater fish, is not a good diet, they never would have eaten it in the wild so why get them on it now? it doesnt contain the nutrients the fish need

 

[j-spot]

So do I just drop the frozen food in the tank and wait for them to eat? There is also a blue dot puffer in there with them. Problem is when I have tried to leave food in the tank for the other 2 the puufer has a feast. That fish has no problem eating anything I put in there. :notsure:

 

[jdragunas]

...i've heard many times about garlic...is this just household garlic, or is it a supplement that you get at the LFS? kinda confused... :notsure:

 

[crazyaqua]

They make specific marine garlic and you can also use household garlic to. Whichever is easier. I use household myself in my crazy frozen food mixtures.

 

[jdragunas]

so what... you just pour garlic salt in the water with the frozen food concauction, or does it have to be real garlic??? and then let it soak for a while??? What is the purpose? is that just for fish who have a hard time eating? my fish are all piggies...

 

[carshark]

Originally Posted by jdragunas
so what... you just pour garlic salt in the water with the frozen food concauction, or does it have to be real garlic??? and then let it soak for a while??? What is the purpose? is that just for fish who have a hard time eating? my fish are all piggies...
the best way to do it, is to take a shredder to a clove of garlic and squeeze it, remove all pulp and soak your foods you are about to feed in it...i sometimes take a knife and shave very thinly, and squeeze from the center, and soak the food in it..
it can be used to entice fish to eat if they arent taking to any foods, but it also keeps their immune systems up and keep the mucous coat strong, which will help fight off disease.

 

[popnfrresh]

I would def NOT use goldfish as a live food. Try killies or something else until you can entice em to get off live. Goldfish will give an intestinal blockage. ALSO try using a clear acrylic rod instead of bamboo. The fish may see the bamboo and be frightened.

 

[jdragunas]

Originally Posted by carshark
the best way to do it, is to take a shredder to a clove of garlic and squeeze it, remove all pulp and soak your foods you are about to feed in it...i sometimes take a knife and shave very thinly, and squeeze from the center, and soak the food in it..
it can be used to entice fish to eat if they arent taking to any foods, but it also keeps their immune systems up and keep the mucous coat strong, which will help fight off disease.
I don't quite understand the "squeezing with a shredder" thing :notsure: ... i'll just buy the stuff from the LFS... lol

Thanks for all of your help.

 

[j-spot]

Any ideas where I can get ahold of a clear acrylic rod?