Can i use Beef Heart?

[mbeatrice]

not to much protien for the fish u listed they are not predetory cichlids they mainly eat plants matter with less protien in there diet ,u could give them bloat or digestive problems .

 

[screaminleeman]

If you want to be able to watch them grow, feed steamed asparagus heads.

Does it make the fish pee-pee smell wierd like it does to us?

 

[sAroock]

Quick growth due to a massive high-protein diet can lead to physical disorders later in life, arched backs being a good example. I've fed Beefheart before, very sparingly, but don't recommend it at all - I'm even off Frozen Bloodworms now. Let your fish grow up naturally on a high quality pellet diet mixed with Frozen food and diced Vegetables and your fish will do well.

They're all quick growers anyway so in a few months time will be looking pretty stocked, I hope you've got a 5' at least

i will not feed beefheart, i'll stick with good quality pellets and plenty of veggies. plus beefheart smells and makes my water surface oily.
No one is @ 5' yet....

try warmer temps and frequent, large waterchanges. keep your water very clean and prove a large tank. feed 3-5 medium sized meals a day, do 50-75% WC daily to every other day and keep your temperatures at 82-84F and you should have some fast growth

Im taking your advice, i have raised the temperature to 84F and can only do ~20% w/c every other day . If i do +50% w/c there will be a massive temperature shock because when i do w/c im pouring cold tap water directly into the tank, (then add the crystal water conditioner of course)

 

[sAroock]

Does it make the fish pee-pee smell wierd like it does to us?

wow really? i dont have much asparagus

(this veggie is becoming really interesting)

 

[thedarkone]

I guess I should have read you aquarium set up before I suggested that you feed your fish beef heart. I apologize for my ignorance. Your fish are more herbivore than omnivore so beef heart really wouldn't be a very good idea.

Also don't get so hung up on how fast your fish grow. Half the fun of fish keeping is watching your fish grow and develop their personalities. I understand because sometimes I feel like you and I get impatient and wish my fish were big already. But then I just think back to all my past experiences of growing my fish out. Take lots of pictures and date them so you can look back at how small your fish were and how well their grew and developed!

 

[thedarkone]

Also asparagus is freaking awesome! Not only does my Jack love it, but it is by far my favorite veggie to eat!

 

[Mr Pleco]

I'm a fan of live worms and bugs as a supplement to prepared foods...

Matt

I keep my cichlids in great condition by including live worms into their diet twice a week...keep the water clean and they will grow