I got a DIY Rubbermaid stock tank going for the summer and decided to throw my 4 h. Carpintis in it the biggest male was 3-3.5" inches. This was 2 weeks ago, I pulled him out today and he was a solid 4.5 inches and has a much taller profile. I'm sure they do grow better in the wild, but why such growth in a outdoor pond? natural sunlight? Mixed diet? I've fed them NLS thera+ exclusively since I've had them too. Just wondering what you guys thought, why do they grow so much faster outside in the elements?
Cichlids in outdoor ponds
- Thread starter freebyrd
- Start date
I believe one of the factors is that the cichlids can constantly graze of algae. The sun grown algae may have a high nutrient content. I have carpintus, Gymnogeophagus and Australoheros outside all summer. When I put them outside they were 2" or less, seems they have doubled in size since May, and are breeding, and I don't feed at all when they are outside.
I see by marks on the bottom in the substrate they seem to be constantly grazing, along with whatever insects fall in or breed there.
I see by marks on the bottom in the substrate they seem to be constantly grazing, along with whatever insects fall in or breed there.
hm, thats a cool looking pond. yea i was simply blown away when i put a tape measure on that carpintis 2 weeks has done ALOT for him. they came from a 40g breeder im thinking just the sheer increase in gallons and swimming area caused a growth spurt?
I think gallonage may also have a lot to do with it. My small pond is @900 gallons and the larger one is @1700 with a 100gal rubbermaid in line.
I use bio-fractionation for filtration on both, so many DOCs and other things that may slow a fishes growth are removed.
I use bio-fractionation for filtration on both, so many DOCs and other things that may slow a fishes growth are removed.
I have a friend who raises cichlids in outdoor ponds year round here in Florida. The difference between the fish kept in his ponds and those kept in his tanks are night and day. He shares the same thoughts that have already been made in this thread. The constant grazing of algae, natural insect feeding, excellent filtration, and more space seems to encourage health and dramatic growth. He also feeds the fish prepared foods like pellets but not nearly as much as the fish kept indoors. Above all else he believes that the natural sunlight is the most beneficial part of their pond life. The colors and size of these fish are amazing. They are not overfed so they maintain a more natural look, not a fat round body like many fish that are overfed in tanks. I want to have several ponds of my own in the future.
Here are the grey marks in the substrate, you can see where cichlids have grazed off algae and detritus down to the pond liner.
I know its hard to see, but in the middle, you can see a male Australoheros red ceibal guarding a nest under a fold in the pond liner, the female went inside as I approached.
I also agree with Gruff Master about the sunlight, I have often wondered if the high UV rays that are very intense between 11AM and 2PM help to kill parasites and bacteria that might be bothersome.
For a short while after I bring in cichlids for the winter their color is very intense, but tends to fade a bit with time.
This is a Gymnogeophagus pic taken soon after being brought in.
I know its hard to see, but in the middle, you can see a male Australoheros red ceibal guarding a nest under a fold in the pond liner, the female went inside as I approached.
I also agree with Gruff Master about the sunlight, I have often wondered if the high UV rays that are very intense between 11AM and 2PM help to kill parasites and bacteria that might be bothersome.
For a short while after I bring in cichlids for the winter their color is very intense, but tends to fade a bit with time.
This is a Gymnogeophagus pic taken soon after being brought in.
I'm sure all the vitamin D, and other nutrients from the sunlight are a big factor.
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I read on some goldfish forum that goldfish kept out doors are often darker in color then those in doors.
Off top: Gruff, does your friend do anything to keep his fish from escaping or being transported by birds? That is something i'd worry about in FL.
Off top: Gruff, does your friend do anything to keep his fish from escaping or being transported by birds? That is something i'd worry about in FL.
He keeps netting above the ponds to deter birds. Aquatic plants help conceal the fish too. The biggest problems are the raccoons. They are some brazen little thieves! But generally he doesn't have any issues with animals. The way he has everything laid out, the area with his ponds is pretty secure from pests. When things get too cold for Florida, my friend has ponds in green houses as well.