getting my fish to grow

dereks

If I want my fish to grow quickly does anybody know the correct way to do it? Is it OK to skim 10% of my water off the top everyday with an occasional gravel vac?

herefishy

Water changes are necessary and tank size determines when and how much. Some breeders of exotic fish change 25%-50% daily. The common rule of thumb is 25% weekly. It muust be said, also, that smaller tanks require more maintainance and stricter adherence to the rule.

Gravel sweeps should be done monthly. More often if you are overfeeding or notice a mulm buildup on the surface of the gravel.

As far as helping your fish to grow, a variety in the diet that would include live food, freeze dried, or frozen, as well as a high quality, premium flake food as a staple, is a definite plus.

dereks

So the more food you give them the more water changes you do but, it's the amount and type of food that helps them grow, not the water changes?

herefishy

Both are as important as the other. Do not overfeed!!! Water contamination and fouling can lead to huge ammonia spikes resulting in sick or dead fish. Feed no more than your fish will consume in 3-5 minutes. It is better to feed less more often, than it is to feed gobs less often.