Spirulina Fish Food for Color

Spirulina is an algae many fish graze on in nature. It brings out color and suits mollies, platies, and other plant-eating fish.

This gel is mostly spirulina and greens.

Why your fish will love this

• Brings out color
• Great for livebearers
• Freezes for months

Ingredient notes

• Spirulina powder Safe

  Algae powder for color and plant-eating fish.

• Zucchini, blanched Safe

  Blanched slices for plecos, goldfish and snails.

• Peas, shelled Safe

  Blanched and shelled, for goldfish.

• Unflavored gelatin Safe

  Binds homemade gel food.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Spirulina Fish Food for Color

Spirulina Fish Food for Color takes about 2 hours 10 minutes from start to finish and makes 60 cubes. It is an easy recipe. You will need a blender. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 5 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for fish.

• 1 tbsp spirulina powder: Algae powder for color and plant-eating fish.
• 1/2 cup zucchini, blanched: Blanched slices for plecos, goldfish and snails.
• 1/4 cup peas, shelled: Blanched and shelled, for goldfish.
• 2 packets unflavored gelatin: Binds homemade gel food.
• 1/2 cup hot water

Step-by-step instructions

1. Blend the zucchini, peas and spirulina.
2. Dissolve the gelatin in hot water and stir in.
3. Spread thin and chill until set. Allow about 2 hours.
4. Cut and freeze.

Tips for success

• Buy pure spirulina powder with no additives.
• Feed alongside a protein food for omnivores.
• Watch water quality when trying a new food.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

A small cube once a day.

Why fish love it

Brings out color. Great for livebearers. Freezes for months.

Feeding tips for fish

Overfeeding is the most common mistake in fishkeeping. Feed only what your fish finish in about two minutes and remove leftovers so they do not foul the water. Test water quality when you try a new food. Rotate foods through the week for variety, and fast adult fish one day a week if your fish species allows it.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

What to watch for

Cloudy water, ammonia spikes or fish gasping at the surface usually mean too much food. Clamped fins, white spots or bloating are signs of illness. Do a partial water change, cut back on feeding, and ask a fish vet or experienced aquarium store if symptoms continue.

Shopping list

Before you start, check that you have spirulina powder, zucchini, peas, unflavored gelatin and hot water. Most of it is at the grocery store; hay, pellets, feed and supplements are at pet or feed stores. Buy fresh produce close to the day you cook.

Serving ideas

Feed the spirulina gel in the morning, when the aquarium lights come on and fish are most active. Watch which fish eat it first; shy bottom dwellers may need a cube dropped near their hiding spot after the lights go out.

Safety notes

Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your fish. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Does spirulina improve fish color?

It can help, especially for fish with red and yellow tones.

Is it OK for bettas?

Bettas are carnivores; use it only as a small part of their diet.