Fluval Bug Bites Algae Crisps Review
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Introduction
Note: This Fluval Bug Bites Algae Crips review is from my own personal experience as an aquarium hobbyist and is a product that I have personally used.
Fluval Bug Bites Algae Crisps are most likely often thought of together with Hikari Algae Wafers, but should they be? In some ways yes and in other ways no. My review below will hopefully detail the pros and cons of the food and help you with deciding whether or not it’s a good choice for you.
Are my fish a fan of the food?
Yes, my fish like this food. I find them to like it about as much as they do Hikari Algae Wafers. My bottom feeders, like my plecos and cory cats, appreciate it along with my other smaller fish who like to come down and peck at it. Shrimp and snails also appear to be fans of the food.
Package Sizing and Pricing
Fluval Bug Bite’s Algae Crisps come in two sizes. The 40g / 1.41oz jar or the 100g / 3.52oz jar. The small will cost you about $7 and the large will cost you about $11. The pricing is close to competitors like Hikari, and I consider it a fair price for what you get.
Wafer Overview
I don’t want to just draw comparisons to Hikari’s algae wafers, but the reality is that most hobbyists have probably used Hikari’s wafers and would recognize it. With this said, Fluval’s crisps, or wafers, look and act very similar to Hikari’s. They are hard, round, dark green wafers that sink and don’t wear down quickly in the water. This allows fish to rasp or peck on them as they slowly fall apart.
Ingredient Quality
The ingredients are where Fluval takes a turn from Hikari’s algae wafers. Where Hikari uses fish meal as their primary ingredient, Fluval uses wheat flour as their primary ingredient. While not a huge fan of this choice for the primary ingredient, they also have mealworm meal and the classic soldier fly larva included as top ingredients which I do like.
Another key difference between the two foods is the protein levels. Hikari has a 33% protein level while Fluval has a 43.5% protein level. This is a big deal if you are trying to keep a fish on a low-protein or high-protein diet.
Something to note as well is the marketing of the food as “algae” crisps. The reality is that most “algae” wafers contain very little algae in them. This is both annoying and understandable. The reason is that most bottom feeders in the hobby don’t just have heavy algae-based diets. Fluval does at least clarify that the food is high in protein, and of course, they mention it has bugs in it.
Market Availability
Fluval’s foods are widely available around most of the world. I find Algae crisps to not be quite as widely available but can be found relatively easily online and in some pet stores.
My Final Thoughts
I think Fluval Bug Bites Algae Crisps are a great choice for those looking for a general bottom-feeder food. As long as you are ok with the higher protein levels and don’t mind that there is not much algae in the food, then this could be just what you are looking for. If you are trying to decide between Fluval and Hikari’s algae wafers, the choice is whether you want the higher protein levels. If so, then get some Bug Bites instead.
Overall, I enjoy this food and believe it is a solid choice for most hobbyists.
Where to Purchase Fluval Algae Crisps
Thanks for reading!
Be sure to check out my fish food review master list here, and feel free to comment below on your experience with the food.
If you believe this food is something you would like to try, feel free to use the link below to purchase some for yourself.