tank size effects growth
- Thread starter turkeyboy85
- Start date
is there such a thing as a runt?? just wondered?i dont think the ray can be 7-8 years old at 13 inch thats the size a ray will grow in 2yrs
From a biological persective a tank size shouldnt cause a reduction in size unless that impacts muscle development in someway. Essentially the limiting factors would be
Chris
NB Oh yea theres also the possibility of runts as well...especially in large litters
- Genetics - any population has variations in size and given the range its quite possible that there are sub populations where a small size is an advantage in their habitat
- Food availability/type- not enough food in key periods of growth would limit overall growth size as would limited choice (feeding one food source could essentially stunt growth by limiting vitamens, amino acids, proteins and fats. Thats why its important to vary food)
- Filtration - again this has an effect as growth could be inhibited by chemicals in the water. Nitrates have been known to have an effect but other things such as proteins (hormones etc) could also impact growth rates
- Stress - the two above could actually cause stress but other factors such as fluctuating pH, Temp etc. Other tank inhabitants, infections/parasites would also impact growth (in fact temperature in itself could also impact)
Chris
NB Oh yea theres also the possibility of runts as well...especially in large litters
Small tanks tend to lead to small fish, most probably pheromones that build up, poor water quality is a
Big issue, you cannot say a shop has excellent water without evidence of tests. Most shops run high nitrate due to massive stocking. Nitrate is known to slow or stunt growth. Food is also a big issue. Water changes are also needed to dilute the pheromones. Then we also have genetics.
Big issue, you cannot say a shop has excellent water without evidence of tests. Most shops run high nitrate due to massive stocking. Nitrate is known to slow or stunt growth. Food is also a big issue. Water changes are also needed to dilute the pheromones. Then we also have genetics.
I believe tank size will have a factor on overall growth. I had an alligator gar for 27 years. He never got over 18 inches total length I believe due to the fact that he was in a 75 gallon tank.
I got a red Aro about a year ago from my lfs and he still has a couple aros left from the same batch and my Aro has tripled I'n size over thiers. I also have a rtg that was double the size of my red Aro. The rtg is I'n a 180 and the red I'n a 150 both have the same filters get the same Wc"s but due to my red aros massive appetite it has passed my rtg I'n size. And the rtg has a bigger tank. But the rays are the other way around. Rays I'n the 180 are way bigger then the ones I'n the 150. I think it more genetics not sayin that tank size has nothing todo with growth but not as much as ppl think.
