TetraRubin Granules, 15 g is a granular food from the German brand Tetra with a special complex of natural colour enhancers. It provides complete nutrition and is suitable for daily feeding. A high level of colour enhancers brings out the colours of red, orange and yellow tropical fish, and according to the manufacturer the effect is visible within two weeks. The round granules soften quickly in water and sink slowly — ideal for fish that feed in mid-water.
How colour enhancers work
Fish can't produce red, orange and yellow pigments themselves — they get them from food. In the wild these are carotenoids from algae, small crustaceans and insects. In an aquarium, where the diet is more uniform, colours fade over time. A food with colour enhancers makes up for the missing pigments, and colours gradually become richer. The BioActive formula also supports health and a long life. How to build a fish diet is covered in aquarium fish food: how to feed.
Ingredients
Fish and fish by-products, cereals, vegetable protein extracts, vegetable products, algae, molluscs and crustaceans, yeasts, oils and fats, minerals. Analysis: protein 47.5%, fat 6.5%, fibre 2%, moisture 6%. Per kilogram it adds vitamins A (29,770 IU) and D3 (1,860 IU), manganese, zinc and iron, plus colourants, preservatives and antioxidants.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| For | red, orange and yellow tropical fish |
| Format | round slow-sinking granules |
| Protein / fat | 47.5% / 6.5% |
| Fibre / moisture | 2% / 6% |
| Results | visible in 2 weeks |
| Weight | 15 g |
Pros
- Brighter colours. A high level of natural colour enhancers.
- Quick results. Within two weeks, according to the manufacturer.
- High protein, low fat. 47.5% and 6.5%.
- Sinks slowly. Suits mid-water fish.
- Softens quickly. Easy for fish to eat.
- For daily feeding. A complete food.
Cons
- Colourants and preservatives. Listed among the additives.
- Not for every fish. Bottom and surface feeders get less of it.
- A small pack. 15 g won't last long in a large tank.
- Colour isn't just about food. Water quality, lighting and low stress matter too.
How to feed
Give the granules 1–3 times a day in amounts the fish eat within 2–3 minutes. Remove any uneaten granules that settle on the bottom. TetraRubin can be the staple food for suitable fish or alternated with flakes such as TetraMin for more variety. Judge the colour results only after two weeks of regular feeding.
What else affects colour
Fish lose colour from poor water, stress and disease, so food only works alongside good care. Change water regularly, keep an eye on filtration and don't overstock the tank. If colours fade suddenly and the fish become sluggish, check them for disease — treatment is covered in our review of Rikka Ichthyocid. For discus, where vivid colour is especially important, there's the specialised Tetra Discus.
How to store the food
Vitamins and pigments in an opened food gradually break down from air, moisture and light, so close the tub straight after feeding and keep it somewhere cool and dry rather than on the aquarium lid. The small 15 g pack is a plus here: the food gets used up before it loses its properties. Don't take granules with wet fingers, as moisture spoils the food.
Who it suits
Red, orange and yellow tropical fish that feed in mid-water — swordtails, platies, guppies, barbs, tetras, gouramis and smaller cichlids. More foods are in the fish food section.
Verdict
TetraRubin Granules is a complete granular food with colour enhancers: high protein, low fat, slow-sinking granules and visible results in two weeks. A good choice for colourful tropical fish. The downsides are colourants and preservatives in the recipe and a small pack.
FAQ
How soon will I see results?
Within two weeks, according to the manufacturer.
Do the granules sink?
Yes, slowly — they're designed for mid-water fish.
Can I feed it every day?
Yes, it's suitable for daily feeding.
How much protein does it contain?
47.5%, with 6.5% fat.
Is it suitable for catfish?
Bottom feeders are better off with sinking tablets.
Can it be combined with flakes?
Yes, alternating with flakes makes the diet more varied.
Is it suitable for goldfish?
It's made for tropical fish; goldfish are better off with Tetra Goldfish.
