Hikari FAQ's
Click on the questions to see the answers.
General Queries FAQ's
Which Hikari food can I feed my fish?
Click here to find out which foods can be fed to which types of fish.
How much should I feed my fish?
Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes fish keepers make. Overfeeding can pollute the water if there is uneaten food left to decay in the aquarium. Uneaten food increases the level of ammonia, ammonia poisoning is one of the biggest killers of aquarium fish. As a rule of thumb feed the amount your fish will completely consume within a few minutes. Always read the instructions on the individual pack of food before feeding. Always remove any uneaten food left after the feeding period with a net.
How often should I feed my fish?
The number of times you need to feed will depend on the type of fish. In general fish should be fed between 2 and 4 times per day, but check the instructions on the individual pack of food before feeding. With the exception of nocturnal feeders, such as certain Catfish, the timing of the feeds isn’t critical. There are some exceptions to the 2 to 4 feedings per day. Herbivorous (vegetarian) fish need to eat more frequently because they do not have large stomachs to hold a lot of food. Herbivorous fish should be given several small feedings a day. Newly hatched fry and young fish that are not fully grown should also be fed more frequently with a special food for newborn fish such as Hikari First Bites.
When should I feed my fish?
With the exception of nocturnal feeders, such as certain Catfish, the timing of the feeds isn’t critical. If you have nocturnal fish in your aquarium feed them just before turning the lights out at night.
Where can I buy Hikari fish food?
To find your nearest stockist click here.
What is the difference between Omnivorous, Hebivorous and Carnivorous fish?
Different types of fish have different dietary requirements. Meat-eating carnivorous fish have large mouths with sharp pointed teeth that allow them to grasp their prey and tear off large chunks of flesh, which is swallowed whole rather than ground or chewed first.
Carnivores have a short intestinal tract and a relatively large stomach. Carnivorous fish cannot digest vegetable matter - even though they may eat plants, they cannot derive nutrients from them as other fish do. Carnivorous fish will eat other fish in the aquarium and are therefore not suitable for a community tank.
Herbivorous fish eat vegetable matter. They have flat teeth which allow them to grind food before swallowing it. Herbivorous fish lack a stomach for holding large volumes of food so must be fed more frequently.
Omnivorous fish eat a variety of meat and vegetable matter. Although omnivores can and will eat vegetable matter, they cannot digest some types of grains and plants. Their teeth and digestive tract possesses some of the traits of both the carnivore and the herbivore.Omnivores are the easiest of all fish to feed.
What is pure-cultured spirulina?
Spirulina is the botanical name of blue-green algae that is primarily made up from two species of Cyanobacteria. The latin name ‘Spirulina’ means ‘little spiral’ referring to the algae’s spiral structure.
Spirulina contains about 60% protein and contains all the amino acids. Spirulina is used in foods as a ‘probioic’ or booster for the immune system. It also has colour enhancing properties.
Spirulina is cultured worldwide for both animal and human use.
What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid used in fish foods to promote excellent colouration in fish, particularly reds, yellows and oranges.
Can I use Hikari foods in my automatic fish feeder?
Yes, just be sure to check the instruction manual on your automatic fish feeder to find out which size pellets are compatible.
What would be the best food to feed potential championship grade Koi?
Saki-Hikari diets should be fed to potential championship grade Koi. Saki-Hikari foods have been specifically developed for Nishikigoi professionals and Koi enthusiasts. Saki-Hikari is a uniquerange of foods which have been developed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of Koi, maintaining excellent health, condition, beautiful colouring and form. Click here for more information.
Do Hikari have bigger size bags of food?
The pack sizes for each product are shown on the individual product pages. These are the only sizes available.
I want to feed my fish a treat alongside my usual food. Are there any treat foods in the Hikari range?
Silkworm selects are a new food supplement for all pond fish. This food is very high in protein so it should only be used in warmer the months (water temperature +20⁰C). Hikari Silkworm Selects is available in a medium sized pellet.
What is Hikari-Germ?
Hikari-Germ, found in Saki-Hikari fish foods, is good bacteria which, when fed, becomes active in the Koi’s intestinal tract. Hikari-Germ creates beneficial digestive enzymes thereby improving the digestive capacity of Koi. Hikari-Germ also helps support the fish’s own good bacteria, helping prevent a build up of bad bacteria thereby helping build up stronger natural defences. Furthermore, waste that is excreted is highly decomposed by the activity of the bacteria, which helps maintain the quality of water while also reducing the load on the filter, therefore reducing maintenance. Click here for more information about Hikari-Germ.
Pond & Aquarium FAQ's
Can I feed Hikari pellets in place of flake food?
Yes, you can feed Hikari pellets instead of flake food. Pellet foods have a number of benefits over flake food. Pellets are easier to handle and it’s also easier to tell a child or a neighbour to feed say "10 pellets" instead of a “pinch of flake”. Pellets are less messy, especially when it comes to feeding larger fish, and with outdoor ponds, pellets don't blow away in the wind.
Large fish need pellet foods. Pellets offer them food that is mouth sized and is something for them to get their teeth into. Flake will not satisfy a large fish and it is harder to keep weight on a large fish if you are feeding flake.
Pellets can also be sinking which is better for bottom dwelling fish. Sinking pellets also contain more food per pellet than a floating stick, which contains more air. Pellets are also better to use in automatic fish feeders where flake can sweat or get stuck.
Are Hikari Algae Wafers suitable for algae eating marine fish?
Yes, Hikari Algae Wafers can be used in conjunction with a staple diet of Hikari Marine-A or Hikari Marine-S.
What is the difference between Hikari Marine-A and Hikari Marine-S?
Hikari Marine-A is a complete daily diet for fish larger than 10cm (4 inches) whilst Hikari Marine-S is a complete daily diet for all smaller marine fish. Due to the different dietary requirements of larger and smaller fish, there are differences in the nutritional levels (fats, acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals), and also pellet size.
Is Hikari Cichlid Staple and Cichlid Gold suitable for all types of cichlid?
Yes, although Herbivorous cichlids such as ‘Tropheussp’, (and other larger herbivorous fish) would prefer Hikari Cichlid Excel, which contains cultured spirulina.
What is the difference between Hikari Cichlid Staple and Hikari Cichlid Gold?
Both Hikari Cichlid Staple and Gold are complete daily diets. Hikari Cichlid Gold however contains special colour enhancers (the highest grade carotenoid available) to improve and maintain vivid colouration. Hikari Cichlid Gold also has higher protein levels for excellent growth rates.
Can Hikari Sinking Wafers be fed to all types of Catfish?
Hikari Sinking Wafers are designed to be fed to all types of bottom feeding fish including the many species of Corydorus and loaches. There are Catfish species that are carnivorous; these would require Hikari Sinking Carnivore Pellets or Hikari Massivore Delite for larger carnivorous catfish species.
When should I start and stop feeding Hikari First Bites?
The answer to this question depends on fish species. For live-bearing fish, Hikari First Bites can be used immediately after birth. For egg-laying fish, Hikari First Bites can be used once the fish’s yolk sac has been fully consumed after birth.
You can stop feeding Hikari First bites when fish are big enough to take larger particles of food, Hikari Micro Pellets is the perfect next step.
Can Hikari Cichlid foods only be fed to Cichlids?
No, any large aquarium fish that can swallow the size of pellet can be fed Hikari Cichlid foods.
Can you mix different Hikari pond foods?
Hikari pond foods and Saki-Hikari Koi foods can be blended together for year round feeding. Throughout the year the nutritional requirements of pond fish change. During the warmer summer months’ fish are more active and metabolism is at its highest. This is the time to feed a high qualityprotein diet such as Hikari Friend, Staple, Gold or Saki-Hikari Balance, Colour or Growth. As the temperature starts to drop and Autumn sets in, the pond water will cool down and the fish’s metabolismwill slow down. When the water temperature is between 10 and 15⁰C you should mix a high protein diet with a wheat-germ based food such as Hikari Wheat-Germ or Saki-Hikari Multi-Season. When the temperature of the water drops below 10⁰C you should feed only a wheat-germ based diet. Going into Spring you should reverse the process, starting with a wheat-germ based diet, then combine wheat-germ and protein and when the water temperature hits 16⁰C a high protein diet only. Feed high protein treats, such as Hikari Silkworm Selects when the water temperature is above 20⁰C.
Can I feed my pond fish Hikari foods all year round?
Hikari pond foods and Saki-Hikari Koi foods can be blended together for year round feeding. Throughout the year the nutritional requirements of pond fish change. During the warmer summer month’s fish are more active and metabolism is at its highest. This is the time to feed a high qualityprotein diet such as Hikari Friend, Staple, Gold or Saki-Hikari Balance, Colour or Growth. As the temperature starts to drop and Autumn sets in, the pond water will cool down and the fish’s metabolismwill slow down. When the water temperature is between 10 and 15⁰C you should mix a high protein diet with a wheat-germ based food such as Hikari Wheat-Germ or Saki-Hikari Multi-Season. When the temperature of the water drops below 10⁰C you should feed only a wheat-germ based diet. Going into Spring you should reverse the process, starting with a wheat-germ based diet, then combine wheat-germ and protein and when the water temperature hits 16⁰C a high protein diet only. Feed high protein treats, such as Hikari Silkworm Selects when the water temperature is above 20⁰C.
What can I feed my pond fish in winter?
In the cooler months whenthe temperature of the pond water drops below 10⁰C you should feed only a wheat-germ based diet such as Saki-Hikari Wheat-Germ of Hikari Wheat-Germ.
Can Saki-Hikari only be fed to Koi?
No, Saki-Hikari can be fed to any pond fish that can swallow the size of pellet fed.
Herptile FAQ's
If the LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™ is runny when exiting the spout, is it still ok to feed?
No negative impact on the reptile’s health will be encountered if this material is fed. But please remove any watery gel, because it includes almost no nutrition or flavours.
How long is LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™ good for if kept in the fridge?
All our testing shows remains safe for about 30 days when used and kept as directed. While we have confirmed it still safe up to 60days (only a very small number of bacteria were found), we recommend using it within 30 days to avoid any bacteria issues caused by your utensils or gloved fingers touching the spout area. Furthermore, LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™, gradually loses its flavourful taste and texture with time. Please remember, LeopaGel™, and all our other Gel items, are free of preservatives that can harm your pet reptile over time. For this reason, refrigeration after opening and use within 30 days is very important!
I forgot to put LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™ in the refrigerator after opening, is it still OK to use?
LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™ contains no preservatives and the quality degrades rapidly if you don’t keep it refrigerated. Especially in warmer room temperatures, it can be harmful very rapidly. So, please, always keep Gel in the refrigerator once opened and never use it if it has an unpleasant smell or the package starts to swell. Both are indications the quality has degraded and is not safe to feed your pet.
When using LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™ stored in the refrigerator, should I wait until the food to back to room temperature before use?
Feeding trials at the Hikari® Aquatic Lab found no digestive or growth problems, even when we feed LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™ immediately after removing it from the refrigerator. If you are not comfortable feeding a cooler product or you keep your refrigerator very cold, pick off the proper amount of food and wait until it gets to room temperature before feeding. Under no circumstances should you let the food warm for more than 15 minutes and never allow it to come in contact with any surface that could transfer bacteria to it. Remember, anything the food touches while warming will be eaten by your pet.
I stored LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™ in a freezer after opening. Should I use it?
While our testing at the Hikari® Aquatic Laboratory has found that freezing doesn’t reduce the nutritional content of the food and can help it last longer, we do not recommend freezing. Once frozen LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™ won’t have its normal texture and cannot retain its shape because the moisture is lost during thawing.
When I started feeding my gecko LeopaGel™, CrestGel™, DragonGel™, it got diarrhoea. Should I stop feeding?
It is possible that some reptiles can have watery faeces when switching from one food to another. We have found this to be a temporary issue with no negative impact to the reptile unless it persists for more than a few days.
