fish size and water changes

[Scuba Guy]

Anyone have experience with fish size and water changes?

I know that guppy breeders change their tank water religiously - as much as 90% at a time in order to grow their fish large. Apparently fish give off chemicals (hormones?) which in high concentrations limits the schools growth. Water changes avoid this from happening.

Is this really true? True for any school of fish.?

I am asking this, because changing water often for me is not easy. I added plants in a major way to help offset the number of water changes I need to do - and it's working. My nitrate level which historically wold approach 40ppm is now Zero. Not 5 or low, but zero. I still do water changes, but no where near as much as I used to.

But I am concerned that my angels won't grow very big because of the issue above. They are still juveniles.

Thoughts? (is there a reference on this)

[Fishguy2727]

I know angels give off growth inhibiting hormones. As far as other fish go I am not sure if it is some, all, certain families, or what, but I know angels do. I wrote a thread on water changes and that was one of the specific reasons to do as much and as frequent as reasonably possible. That is why you will see one angel grow to a decent size and many/most others will get stuck at a size considerably smaller. This allows that big one to get as much breeding in as possible before others are able to outcompete it for mates.

[Scuba Guy]

This is the single best reason why I must find a way to do these water changes more efficiently.


BUT once these guys are full size, it's back to my lazy ways.

Thanks for the post.

The water is crystal clear, btw - the second filter made all of the difference.

[Fishguy2727]

What is your current water change schedule? Why is it difficult to do water changes?

[Severus]

If you have a python water changes should be a snap...

[Incredulous_Ed]

I wish i had a python. where do you get them? (besides online)

[jeffs99dime]

I wish i had a python. where do you get them? (besides online)

petsmart, petco, they all pretty much carry them. your lfs possibly. notice i didn't classify petsmart, petco, etc., as lf's. i classify them as corporations who happen to "sell" fish

[Severus]

Almost any store that has fish products