what food to feed natives?

[jarthel]

I want to have a native only tank (maybe a 3 discus as well). rainbows and algae-eating shrimp and maybe a yabbie.

What do I feed them? I looked at aquagreen but Dave didn't mentioned what type of food I can use.

Thank you very much :)

[JIM]

Sounds like a pretty ambitious undertaking :)
First of all, what size tank do you have?? Overcrowding of your tank is sure to generate problems in a lot of areas, as far as food goes different species have different requirements, i feed all my natives bloodworms, mysis shrimp, etc. but those dont completely satisfy the total nutrient rquirements and are mainly treat foods, you need to supply a well balanced diet for good fish health, and disease immunity. So it is best to get them trained to eat pellets, i prefer hikari, but there are many good products on the market, i advise to stay with a known brand. Next mixing species in a community tank can be very tricky, due to compatability issues, and also water chemistry needs by different species. The Discus will require elevated temperatures as well, that most other species might not care for, also discus need a lower ph than most species as they are an amazon species and really like black water. most true natives are cold water species. So it may be that you are gonna have to specalize more or simply buy more tanks Yessssss :)

[joz]

Ooh, mixing fish with discus can be tricky.
I wpuld definately not mix them with natives.
About the only things would perhap be some of the smaller Rainbows.

Really when keeping discus,the tank should revolve around them.
They require smaller and more peaceful inmates.
Small tetras,cory and dwarf cichlids would be a good start.

Although discus don't mind bulling each other they are easily bullied by many other species.
As Jim mentioned also, they are very specific with water parameters.