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convicts: Question regarding growth

Discussion in 'Cichlids' started by littledane, Oct 8, 2008.

  1. littledane

    littledane Thread Starter Member

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    does anyone know the growth rate of convicts? Ive had mine for alittle over 8 months and they dont seem to be growing much, however my Green Terror which i bought at the same time has more than trippled in size. Can anyone give me some advice as to why?
     
    littledane, Oct 8, 2008
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  2. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: convicts

    What are you feeding them and how often ?

    How often are you doing water changes ?
     
    Anthony, Oct 8, 2008
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  3. littledane

    littledane Thread Starter Member

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    Re: convicts

    Hikari cichlid staple once a day, freeze dried blood worms twice a week in the evening.

    i do a 25% water change weekly
     
    littledane, Oct 8, 2008
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  4. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: convicts

    How large are they now ? If they're still basically fry then I'd do more water changes.
     
    Anthony, Oct 8, 2008
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  5. littledane

    littledane Thread Starter Member

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    Re: convicts

    between 2 and 3 inches
     
    littledane, Oct 8, 2008
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  6. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: convicts

    Try increasing the water changes to about 50% twice a week. How many do you have and what size tank are they in ?

    If you can find it, or order it online, you can use Dainichi Ultima. Their food is excellent and I'd rate it higher than NLS. It's expensive but well worth it.
    <a class="postlink" href="http://www.dainichi.com/cichlid_food_ultima.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.dainichi.com/cichlid_food_ultima.html</a>
     
    Anthony, Oct 8, 2008
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  7. littledane

    littledane Thread Starter Member

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    Re: convicts

    i have 2 in a 30 gallon. which will soon be moved to a 75 gallon along with my two dempseys and my green terror.
     
    littledane, Oct 8, 2008
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  8. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: convicts

    Do 50% water changes twice a week. That alone should help. If you can get some Dainichi food, that will help as well.
     
    Anthony, Oct 8, 2008
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  9. littledane

    littledane Thread Starter Member

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    Re: convicts

    thanks for the help ;)
     
    littledane, Oct 8, 2008
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  10. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: convicts

    That's what the forum's for. ;)
     
    Anthony, Oct 8, 2008
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  11. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

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    Re: convicts

    Your not supposed to change more then 40% at a time.It can shock the fish because tap water has a very high ph in it
     
    Anonymous, Oct 9, 2008
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  12. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: convicts

    Actually the problem with 50% water changes is removing too much beneficial bacteria. PH should remain the same as long as it comes from the same source or is buffered the same way.

    In some tanks that are overcrowded you HAVE to change 50% or sometimes more to dilute the fishes anti-growth hormone and nitrates. The unstable tap water is MUCH better still than a tank full of nitrates!
     
    LemonDiscus, Oct 9, 2008
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  13. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: convicts

    Very little beneficial bacteria is free floating.
     
    Anthony, Oct 9, 2008
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