How To Grow A Large Dovii

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Your water temp seems pretty standard issue as most cichlid keepers(barring discus) have their temps between 78-82 degrees. The water changes are key, as you mentioned but I don't think a lone fish will emit hormones that will be detrimental to its own growth. Good luck raising your dovii...a beast in the making for sure. "Power Feeding" will only shorten the life of your prized dovii...it is not necessary to feed as much as you are regardless of the quality of food that is being given.
 
You didn't mention how big he is. Guessing about 16-18 inches. He looks really good. What kind of live and prepared foods are you giving him?

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I would say you are over feeding, Terd. Not one single day without feeeding those 5 minute doses?
 
Try fasting him 2-3 days in a row for 2-3 times a month. Works wonders for me! ;-)
 
CrimsonFog said:
Try fasting him 2-3 days in a row for 2-3 times a month. Works wonders for me! ;-)
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I do it weekly, the fasting... 2/3 days per week without food
 
Miguel said:
I do it weekly, the fasting... 2/3 days per week without food
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Ditto. I've noticed a difference in grow rates this way. From what I have read, most predators will eat huge meals and not eat for days until the next big meal. This is the reason I am following suit. ;-)

My tip to the OP would be to raise temp to 82ish and skip a few days of feeding each week. Seems like he's feeding a ton. Five minutes seems to be a long time.
 
Honestly I think cutting the food down and changing more water would result in longer life and a better growth rate. Mrmann was spot on when he said power feeding does its best work at shortening life span and not long term growth.

Another thing I've been wanting to try is to lower the temp for a couple weeks on my tanks to say 75 to decrease metabolism and slow feeding. Then bump it back up to 80 and jumpstart their metabolism. That 2 weeks would allow their body to relax and slow down a bit then be well rested for the temp increase. Only a theory but I'm doing something similar with my beani. I'm allowing no heater so they go through the seasons unlike the other tanks so when it's cool they tank drops and in the summer when it heats up the tank will hear up giving them a rest time in the winter and in the summer they'll have energy for growth and breeding





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