I have heard that feeding goldfish to Cichlids is a bad thing cuz they have something in them that can harm the Cichlids. But, I am being given a 30gal and want to start a feeder fish tank to raise health fish to feed my South American Cichlids including my Oscar. Any suggestions on a good fish to raise? Maybe one that breed like rabbits like the convict cichlid does? Something cheap and easy to breed and feed!

You are correct, shop bought feeder fish can often contain disease which you certainly don't want to be feeding to your Oscars.

There are various fish that breed quite easily, guppies breed like rabbits, male and female are easy to obtain and you can just choose them from your local fish store.

Just remember that if you want a regular supply of feeder fish, you are going to need quite a few parents that are breeding on a regular basis at different intervals so that you will always have a supply of food. If not, you will only be able to feed when they are big enough. To be quite honest it's more trouble than it is worth when there is plenty of food available at your fish shop.

I have to agree, in the end it is cheaper and far easier to buy them at the LFS, and quarantine them for a week. Breeding your own will not be easy!

feeders are imho a wasste of time and money. in the wild oscar on rare occassion eat fish that happen to venture to close to them but they are not a staple in their diet. you would be better of getting worms, crickets, shrimp, and beefhearts for your oscars. these will provide them with a more rounded and healthy diet than any feeder fish you buy or raise yourself.

and with an empty 30 gallon tank you could look into something like bolivian or german rams with live plants.

Yes, It is most likely a time waste, and money, When you add up all the electricity, Water waste etc etc, it's more expensive, Just buy it from you're fish shop
Why not start a big Plant tank? :O?

Thanx guys, gonna try it with guppies. As I'm not in it for a staple diet or anything like that, just some fresh fish now and then. I just get bored. I like the idea of guppies since they look nice and I know now they are happy breeders! Gonna have it looking nice and all that and I'll send some pics and vids of feeding times if you want.

LOL, Go For it hun!

I have $10 that says in the end they are pets not feeders!

I agree with what has been said, breeding feeders is too much hassle and its not worth the effort

Your on NickiSue! I love watching feeding time too much!

There isnt much meat on a guppy, lol. If you really really want to breed live feeders I would look for the largest female swordtails you can find. Just remember to keep your female to male ratio 3:1 or he will harrass the females to death. I had a pineapple swordtail give me 150 fy in one batch. I couldnt believe the size of them either and they grow fast with good feedings.

Oooohhh! Very good plan, thank you! I like looking at them fish too. Big meaty swordfish steak for my cichlids.

LOL, How can you toss those sweet helpless fish into the big tank to be lunch???