Introduction
So, you’ve decided to grace your Player Owned House (POH) with a magnificent aquarium, a testament to your angling prowess and dedication to the finer things in RuneScape. But before you start filling your tank with exotic creatures from the depths, there’s one crucial element you absolutely need: fish food OSRS. While seemingly a simple item, understanding fish food and its purpose is paramount to ensuring your aquatic friends thrive within your virtual abode. Neglect this seemingly small detail, and you’ll soon find your prized catches floating belly-up, a sad reminder of your fish-keeping negligence. This guide will delve deep into the world of fish food OSRS, covering everything from acquiring it to properly utilizing it to create a vibrant and lively aquarium.
What is Fish Food?
Fish food, in its pixelated glory, is a non-tradeable item specifically designed to sustain the lives of the fish dwelling within your Player Owned House aquarium. Its in-game description simply states that it’s “Food for your fish,” a rather straightforward, if not underwhelming, explanation for such an essential item. This unassuming item appears as a small, brown bag, a stark contrast to the vibrant and colorful fish it’s meant to nourish. Keep in mind that it holds no nutritional value for players; do not attempt to consume it yourself. It exists solely to keep your aquatic companions alive and well within the confines of your decorative aquarium.
How to Obtain Fish Food
Acquiring this vital sustenance is a surprisingly simple task, but one that requires daily attention. The primary, and most reliable, method is through interactions with a certain culinary figure within Lumbridge Castle. Thankfully there is now another method to get fish food that is not limited to just once a day.
The Lumbridge Cook
The Lumbridge Cook, perpetually stressed and perpetually cooking, holds the key to your fish food needs. Located, unsurprisingly, in the kitchen of Lumbridge Castle, this harried chef can provide you with a single portion of fish food each and every day. Simply speak to him and inquire about any extra food he might have available. He’ll typically grumble about his demanding workload and the never-ending flow of hungry adventurers, but ultimately, he’ll hand over a portion of fish food. It’s a small act of kindness in a world of dragons and demons, and it’s crucial for keeping your aquarium thriving.
It is important to note that if you have completed the Evil Dave section of the Recipe for Disaster quest, the Lumbridge Cook will refuse to give you fish food. Evil Dave’s insatiable appetite for stew has apparently drained the castle’s resources, leaving nothing for the fish. Plan accordingly!
Evil Dave’s Mother (Doris)
A newer method to getting fish food is by talking to Doris, also known as Evil Dave’s mother. She will provide you with cat food. Using a pestle and mortar you can then convert the cat food into fish food.
It’s worth noting that while the method is straightforward, requiring a daily visit, it is not possible to stockpile fish food. You’re limited to one portion per day, forcing you to maintain a consistent routine to keep your fish from starving. This daily ritual is part of the charm, though, a small connection to your virtual pets and a reminder to tend to their needs.
Grand Exchange Limitations
Unfortunately, you will not find fish food for sale on the Grand Exchange. This ensures players cannot simply purchase vast quantities of the item and neglect the daily interaction needed to obtain it, making it a slightly more special item than some.
Player to Player Trade
This item is not tradeable between players.
Using Fish Food in Your Aquarium
Once you’ve diligently secured your daily portion of fish food, it’s time to put it to good use. This, of course, presupposes that you have an aquarium built within your Player Owned House.
Building the Aquarium
Constructing an aquarium requires a certain level of Construction skill and the necessary materials. The larger the aquarium, the more impressive your display and the greater the capacity for a diverse collection of aquatic life. Smaller aquariums require lower Construction levels and fewer resources, making them an accessible starting point for aspiring fish keepers. You’ll need planks, nails, and possibly other decorative materials, depending on the specific design you choose.
Adding Fish to Your Aquarium
Before you can even feed anything you need to actually have some fish! The next step is to populate your aquarium with fish. You can catch different types of fish throughout RuneScape. Raw fish, such as raw shrimps, raw trout, raw salmon, and sharks, can be caught through normal fishing methods. Sea slugs must be caught near Witchaven. Consider your fishing level, patience, and the aesthetics you’re aiming for when selecting your fish.
Feeding Your Fish
With your aquarium built and stocked with a variety of piscine companions, the final step is to ensure their continued survival. Using fish food on your aquarium is a remarkably simple process. Just select the fish food in your inventory and click on your aquarium. A simple animation will play, depicting you scattering the food into the water. That’s all there is to it!
The effect of fish food is simple yet vital: it prevents your fish from dying. Without regular feeding, your fish will perish after a period of time. One portion of fish food is enough to keep your fish alive for a full day. Consistency is key, so make sure you have a portion to feed them daily.
Why Collect Fish?
The motivation behind collecting fish and maintaining an aquarium in OSRS varies from player to player. For some, it’s a matter of completionism, a desire to fill every nook and cranny of their Player Owned House with unique and interesting items.
Completionist Goals
For completionists, filling the aquarium represents another box ticked off the list, another milestone achieved in their relentless pursuit of total mastery. The rarer and more difficult-to-catch fish become particularly prized trophies, symbols of their dedication and skill.
Aesthetics
For others, the appeal lies in the aesthetic value. A well-stocked and beautifully decorated aquarium can be a stunning centerpiece for any POH, adding a touch of tranquility and sophistication to your virtual home. The vibrant colors of the fish, the gentle swaying of aquatic plants, and the soft glow of the water create a calming and visually appealing atmosphere.
Showing off Your Catch
Then there are those who simply enjoy showing off their hard-earned catches. The rarer and more exotic the fish, the more impressed visitors will be. It’s a subtle way of demonstrating your fishing prowess and dedication to the game. Imagine the envy in the eyes of your fellow adventurers as they gaze upon a tank filled with rare and elusive sea creatures, all thanks to your skill and patience.
The Achievement Diary
Another reason players collect fish is to complete achievement diaries. Certain diaries require having an aquarium of certain levels to be completed. This incentivizes players to not only get the construction level but also collect the fish to fill the aquarium.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Despite the simplicity of fish keeping in OSRS, there are some common pitfalls that players often stumble into. Here are a few mistakes to avoid and some tips to help you succeed:
Forgetting to Collect Fish Food Daily
Perhaps the most common mistake is simply forgetting to collect fish food from the Lumbridge Cook or Evil Dave’s Mother (Doris). Life in RuneScape can be hectic, with countless quests, skills to train, and monsters to slay. It’s easy to let the daily fish food collection slip your mind.
Underestimating the Time it Takes to Catch All the Different Fish
Catching all the different types of fish required to fully stock your aquarium can be a time-consuming endeavor. Some fish are notoriously rare, requiring hours of patient fishing in specific locations. Don’t underestimate the commitment required to complete your collection.
Not Building a Large Enough Aquarium from the Start
Starting with a small aquarium and later realizing you want a larger one can be a frustrating experience. It means disassembling your existing aquarium and rebuilding a new one, wasting valuable time and resources. Plan ahead and build the largest aquarium you can afford from the start.
Tips to Thrive
Set a Daily Reminder: To combat the forgetfulness factor, set a daily reminder on your phone or in-game to collect fish food. A simple alarm can be the difference between a thriving aquarium and a watery graveyard.
Level Up Your Fishing: A higher fishing level will increase your chances of catching rare fish, making the task of completing your aquarium collection much easier. Invest time in training your fishing skill to reap the rewards later on.
Conclusion
Fish food OSRS, while a seemingly insignificant item, plays a crucial role in the well-being of your Player Owned House aquarium. By understanding how to obtain it, how to use it, and the importance of regular feeding, you can ensure your aquatic companions thrive and your aquarium remains a vibrant and beautiful addition to your virtual home. So, take the time to visit the Lumbridge Cook or talk to Doris, collect your daily portion of fish food, and dedicate yourself to the care of your piscine friends. With a little effort, you can create a stunning aquarium in your POH, a testament to your dedication and a source of pride for years to come! It’s a small detail that adds a surprising amount of depth and enjoyment to the overall OSRS experience. Now, get out there and start fishing!
