Hi I've gradually lost all my goldfish, some to dropsy, some I don't know from what. I have allways put in live daphnia or bloodworm once or twice a week. I wonder if I've exposed the fish to bacteria or parasites that come with the bags of live food. What do other users think? paul

I am not Paul, but I have read that many 'live" foods can carry parasites. Frozen foods might be a better alternative. Hikori has a 3 stage sterilization process that they do to their frozen foods and I feel safe giving it to them. Here is a post where Ranchugirl explains it.
http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/...hl=frozen+foods
Hope this helps

I have never had a problem with it.I have fed my fish in the past small minnows,they loved it.Sea Monkeys,I hear are the best.-Winston

Unfortunately Paul, contamination from live foods can happen. It can even happen with frozen foods if they aren't stored properly in the store, or during transit, etc.

you very well may be buying some bad food. Live food is like a bonus snack, like chocolate to us. We don't need it, but it's fun, so maybe you just ought to not give it. But, I noticed Winston says he doesn't have any problems. Maybe you ought to ask him what kind he buys/where he buys it, etc.

ah, or read all the replies first. I think goldfishcrazy had a very good idea and suggestion.

Here is an interesting post where live food dangers, especially Tubifex is discussed including quotes from goldfish books: http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/...showtopic=46356

thanks for your replies I'll read the links Paul