What do you think.

[nfored]

I had started out with 5 Bala Sharks in my 55 Gallon in march of 2008.

I moved them into my 220 in May of 2009.

I only have 3 left due to my inexperience when first starting fish keeping and other careless mistakes, they where in the tank during cycle. The 3 left seem happy, and seem healthy but they are like between 5 and maybe 7 inches, actually each is slightly smaller then the other. I do feed them lightly once every day, and sometimes if there was an issue only once every 3 days or so; but normally once every 3 days.

I was not worried about them, as I thought they are slow growers, but I see many people saying by 2 years old theirs are almost 11". Do you think the orginal cycle/ being in too small of a tank at first as stunted them?

 

[SupeDM]

It is possible that the poor water quality form the cycle stunted or slowed their growth. But I aslo think that feeding more might help. sounds like they are not getting enough to eat.

 

[CTU2fan]

Yeah, I'd guess they're just not getting enough to eat. Assuming your 220 wasn't overstocked, and based on your feeding schedule, I highly doubt the cycling was the issue. Try to feed them twice a day if you can, as much as they'll eat.

 

[nfored]

The cycle was back in march of 2008. The 220 looks like a ghost town with just 4 fish the 3 bala's and 1 rainbow shark. I will start feeding more, I have bare bottom now so I can easily clean up extra.

 

[irishfan]

well if you feed them twice a week, yeah, the growth rates wont be as high when compared to ppl who feed daily or 2x a day.