New Flowerhorn / Grow out

[Rtc/tsn]

Thank you!

Yeah I just put in some smooth rocks to offer a hideaway when I got him (cichlid caves) but it looks like he spends most of his time out and about. I'll definitely keep an eye on that to make sure he's not bumping into anything.

As far as tankmates, all I have in there is a rubber lip pleco that hides most of the time. Definitely keeping an eye for aggression but so far so good. I'd like to keep him if possible as he keeps the back glass clean from algae.

I currently have him in a 125. I figured that would be a good size for a permanent home.

As for food. I'm currently feeding hikari gold and some shrimp occasionally but I'm thinking about switching to NLS.

Do you have any recommendations for food? So far I'm treating him like a regular CA/SA cichlid diet wise. Not really looking to do any enhancing food or to try to grow the hump to a crazy size.

I feed my guy hikari gold and blood red parrot

 

[Galactik]

Well this little guy is certainly starting to grow really fast!

It hasn't been 2 weeks since I got him and I think its already grown close to an inch. Also thickened out some. I'm really loving how its coloring up so far.

Ick was successfully treated and then lowered the temp back to 80. Only feeding twice a day and recently introduced freeze dried krill as a treat.

 

[HybridFinatic]

Well this little guy is certainly starting to grow really fast!

It hasn't been 2 weeks since I got him and I think its already grown close to an inch. Also thickened out some. I'm really loving how its coloring up so far.

Ick was successfully treated and then lowered the temp back to 80. Only feeding twice a day and recently introduced freeze dried krill as a treat.

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Looking good! Nice progression.

 

[Randles]

Makes me what a flowerhorn!!! Lovely fish you have.

 

[Galactik]

Makes me what a flowerhorn!!! Lovely fish you have.

Thank you!

 

[Galactik]

Slight update-

Getting bigger and greedy. I have caught him a few times tapping on the lid when he wants food.

I do have a question, I have noticed that fro. Time to time he will have stringy poop like pictured below. Its not all the time, and everything else looks good. Right colors, Active and eating well. Is this normal?

I dont see any signs of stress or infections.

I'm feeding hikari gold as a staple with freeze dried krill and frozen shrimp occasionally.

 

[Galactik]

Could that be a sign im not feeding enough?

I do sometimes have him skip a meal or reduce feeding as to not risk over feeding

 

[HybridFinatic]

Could that be a sign im not feeding enough?

I do sometimes have him skip a meal or reduce feeding as to not risk over feeding

No that is exactly what you should be doing. I wouldn’t worry about it since he is active and eating well and looks healthy. If everything else is right then nothing to worry about. Looks stressed in the second pic and slightly stressed in the other 2 but that’s highly likely due to the camera/phone.

 

[HybridFinatic]

Huge update though! His nuchal hump is starting come out a lot and colors looking better then ever.

 

[Galactik]

Thank you!! ^^^ thats a relief

Yeah he's always out and about. But as you pointed out, he's not a huge fan of the camera, algae scraper or water changes. ?