Couple of members here have already been following along and have given invaluable advice with this entire process of breeding and raising fry so I’ll try not to ramble too much, no promises though.
To get straight to the point I’ve been growing out, or trying to grow out, a batch of convict fry. They’re pretty much 3 months old (probably past the “fry” stage in reality) and I’m worried they’re not growing as fast as they should be.
Some of the largest of the group are just about an inch long. Mind you that’s a very small minority. Most are around the 3/4 inch mark. And another small minority still are only around a half inch. Perhaps this is normal within this timeframe and I’m expecting a faster growth rate than what’s realistic.
As always I try to stay on top of parameters, keeping nitrates at 5ppm and below. This usually means a 40-50% w/c every 3 days (basically twice a week). Tank is a 75g and the only inhabitants are the parents and the groups of juveniles. Nitrate test from today, moments before doing my first of 2 routine w/c’s this week:
I’m also aware of the whole growth inhibiting hormone factor when it comes to growth rate. I hoped that my current w/c schedule would help to mitigate that, but maybe I should be doing even more than I am currently. I’m considering adding a third w/c each week, and most likely will do that. I’ve also considered splitting the group of juveniles and putting half in my spare 29g. I have no idea what difference that would make, if any, however.
As of right now though I’m stumped. Maybe I’m crazy, and they’re not growing as slow as I think they are? They seem healthy as can be which is encouraging but at this point I was kind of expecting young adult convicts, at least around the 1-1.5 inch size range.
To get straight to the point I’ve been growing out, or trying to grow out, a batch of convict fry. They’re pretty much 3 months old (probably past the “fry” stage in reality) and I’m worried they’re not growing as fast as they should be.
Some of the largest of the group are just about an inch long. Mind you that’s a very small minority. Most are around the 3/4 inch mark. And another small minority still are only around a half inch. Perhaps this is normal within this timeframe and I’m expecting a faster growth rate than what’s realistic.
As always I try to stay on top of parameters, keeping nitrates at 5ppm and below. This usually means a 40-50% w/c every 3 days (basically twice a week). Tank is a 75g and the only inhabitants are the parents and the groups of juveniles. Nitrate test from today, moments before doing my first of 2 routine w/c’s this week:
I’m also aware of the whole growth inhibiting hormone factor when it comes to growth rate. I hoped that my current w/c schedule would help to mitigate that, but maybe I should be doing even more than I am currently. I’m considering adding a third w/c each week, and most likely will do that. I’ve also considered splitting the group of juveniles and putting half in my spare 29g. I have no idea what difference that would make, if any, however.
As of right now though I’m stumped. Maybe I’m crazy, and they’re not growing as slow as I think they are? They seem healthy as can be which is encouraging but at this point I was kind of expecting young adult convicts, at least around the 1-1.5 inch size range.
