{"product_id":"hikari-tropical-algae-wafer","title":"Hikari Tropical Algae Wafer","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHikari Tropical Algae Wafers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHikari Tropical Algae Wafers\u003c\/strong\u003e are a sinking daily food developed specifically for plecos and other algae-eating bottom feeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe large, firm wafers contain high levels of vegetable matter including spirulina and chlorella and are designed to stay intact underwater long enough for grazing fish to feed naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you keep plecos or other herbivorous bottom dwellers, this is one of the staple foods we'd be very comfortable recommending.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose Hikari Algae Wafers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlecos and other algae grazers shouldn't be expected to survive purely on whatever algae happens to grow in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHikari Algae Wafers provide a consistent, nutritionally complete food designed specifically for these fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey benefits include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned specifically for plecos and algae-eating bottom feeders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh levels of vegetable matter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContains spirulina and chlorella\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSinks directly to bottom-feeding fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirm wafer designed for extended grazing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoes not rapidly dissolve in the aquarium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable as a daily diet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdded vitamins including stabilised vitamin C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho Is It For?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend Hikari Algae Wafers for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlecostomus and other plecos\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBristlenose plecos\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther herbivorous or algae-grazing catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany freshwater algae grazers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable marine herbivores\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can also be eaten by shrimp, snails and other aquarium inhabitants, although whether they are suitable as a primary diet depends on the species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat About Corydoras and Loaches?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important distinction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHikari Algae Wafers are not our first-choice staple food for Corydoras or most loaches.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorydoras are not primarily algae eaters and need a more appropriate mixed diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Corydoras, loaches and similar omnivorous bottom feeders, we'd generally recommend \u003cstrong\u003eHikari Sinking Wafers\u003c\/strong\u003e or another quality sinking food formulated specifically for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's nothing wrong with Corydoras having a nibble on an algae wafer in a community tank, but we wouldn't use it as their only food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Plecos Still Need Food If There Is Algae in the Tank?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most common misconceptions we see is that buying an \"algae eater\" means you don't have to feed it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou absolutely still need to feed your plecos and other algae grazers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe amount and nutritional quality of algae naturally growing in an aquarium is unpredictable and often nowhere near enough to provide a complete diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn algae wafer gives you a reliable way to make sure they're actually receiving food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Feeding Algae Wafers Make My Pleco Clean the Tank?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink of these as \u003cstrong\u003efood for an algae-eating fish\u003c\/strong\u003e, not a product designed to remove algae from your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pleco may naturally graze surfaces, but adding a pleco or feeding algae wafers isn't a replacement for controlling lighting, nutrients and carrying out normal aquarium maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Big Are the Wafers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach standard Hikari Algae Wafer is approximately \u003cstrong\u003e17–18mm across\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's a reasonably large wafer designed to allow plecos and other grazing fish to rasp and feed from it over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have particularly small algae-eating fish, Hikari also produces \u003cstrong\u003eMini Algae Wafers\u003c\/strong\u003e, which may be easier for them to feed from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Pack Size Should I Buy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimply Fish currently stocks:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e20g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGreat for smaller aquariums, one or two smaller plecos, or trying the food for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e40g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA good everyday size for most home aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e82g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBetter value if algae wafers are a regular part of your feeding routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e250g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBest suited to larger fish, multiple aquariums, multiple plecos or customers who use a significant amount of food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all fish food, we'd rather see you buy a sensible amount and use it while fresh than automatically choose the biggest packet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Do I Feed Hikari Algae Wafers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed only an amount your fish can completely consume within approximately \u003cstrong\u003etwo hours\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany plecos and bottom feeders are more active after the aquarium lights begin to dim, so late afternoon or evening can be an excellent time to feed them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA simple feeding routine is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrop the wafer near the area where your pleco normally hides or feeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow the fish time to find and graze on it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck whether the wafer has been consumed within around two hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove significant uneaten food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjust the amount next time based on what was actually eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't keep adding wafers simply because you haven't seen the fish immediately come out to feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany plecos are shy or nocturnal and may wait until the aquarium is quieter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Many Wafers Should I Feed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere isn't one correct number for every aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe correct amount depends on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePleco species\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize of the fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumber of fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther foods being offered\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow quickly the wafers are consumed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a smaller pleco, an entire large wafer may be more food than necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart conservatively and use the \u003cstrong\u003etwo-hour consumption rule\u003c\/strong\u003e as your guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHikari Algae Wafers contain ingredients including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDried seaweed meal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpirulina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChlorella\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlfalfa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWheat germ\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFish meal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKrill meal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFish oil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGarlic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdded vitamins and minerals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe formula combines vegetable ingredients with additional proteins, vitamins and minerals to provide more complete nutrition than relying on aquarium algae alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGuaranteed Analysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrude Protein:\u003c\/strong\u003e 33% minimum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrude Fat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4% minimum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrude Fibre:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3% maximum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10% maximum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsh:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17% maximum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhosphorus:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.8% maximum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWafer Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 17–18mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sinking wafer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSimply Fish Recommends\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've got a \u003cstrong\u003eBristlenose or another pleco, this is one of those foods we'd nearly always want you to have in the cupboard\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA surprisingly common mistake is assuming that because a fish is sold as an \"algae eater\", it'll find enough food by cleaning the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften it won't.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe like feeding a proper sinking wafer because you can actually control how much food is being offered and make sure the pleco receives something even in a very clean aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many plecos we'd also vary the diet where appropriate rather than feeding nothing but one wafer forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd if you're actually shopping for \u003cstrong\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/strong\u003e, grab Hikari Sinking Wafers instead — they're much better matched to what Corydoras need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Hikari Algae Wafers good for Bristlenose plecos?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They're designed specifically for plecos and other algae-eating bottom feeders and are one of our regular recommendations for Bristlenose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo algae eaters need to be fed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Never assume the algae naturally growing in your aquarium will provide enough complete nutrition for your fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Hikari Algae Wafers suitable for Corydoras?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey may eat them, but we wouldn't use Algae Wafers as the primary food for Corydoras. Hikari Sinking Wafers or another suitable omnivorous bottom-feeder diet is a better staple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they suitable for loaches?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome loaches may eat them, but Hikari Sinking Wafers are generally the more appropriate dedicated option for loaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo the wafers sink?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They're designed to sink to the bottom where plecos and other bottom-feeding algae grazers can access them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they dissolve quickly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Hikari specifically designs the wafer to remain intact for an extended period so grazing fish have time to feed from it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen should I feed my pleco?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLate in the day or around lights-out often works well because many plecos and other bottom feeders are more active at night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long should I leave an algae wafer in the tank?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHikari recommends feeding an amount that will be completely consumed within approximately two hours. Remove significant uneaten food afterwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between Hikari Algae Wafers and Mini Algae Wafers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe standard wafer is approximately 17–18mm across. Mini Algae Wafers offer the same general concept in a smaller format for smaller algae-eating fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan algae wafers replace vegetables for my pleco?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey provide a convenient complete diet, but depending on the pleco species and your feeding approach, you may still choose to offer other suitable foods for dietary variety.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simply Fish","offers":[{"title":"Algae Wafer 20g","offer_id":41756548595789,"sku":"","price":9.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Algae Wafer 40g","offer_id":41756548628557,"sku":"","price":13.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Algae Wafer 82g","offer_id":41756548661325,"sku":"","price":22.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Algae Wafer 250g","offer_id":41756548694093,"sku":"","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/2180\/0269\/files\/21302.png?v=1745827803","url":"https:\/\/simplyfish.co.nz\/products\/hikari-tropical-algae-wafer","provider":"Simply Fish","version":"1.0","type":"link"}