100 A. rubescens + Pl. phenocilus fry!

[Exiled]

Hi!

I have about 100 Aulonocara rubescens (ruby red peacock) & Placidochromis phenochilus fry who are in various stage of development -- from approx. 3 weeks to 2 months old. I have them in a newly set up 55 gallon.
They seem to be CONSTANTLY hungry, and I am concerned that I am not feeding them enough. At the same time, I want to be cautious not to overfeed them.

I am feeding them 3 types of food: Pure Spirulina flakes, An herbivore vegetable mix flake, and a more protein based flake (where fish+krill is the main ingrediant)
They seem to prefer the red flake.

How often should I feed them? Please offer me any feeding suggestions you may have.

one more thing --- the water temperature is a little colder than I am aiming for, but being in a cold climate the heater is doing the best it can.... water temp is around 74F. Should I consider a second heater or is 74F within optimal range for these fry?

THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[freddyk]

Hey Exiled

These little fish digest fast. You can certainly feed them too much at any given sitting, but you cannot feed them too many times per day. The more often you feed them, the better - obviously within reason. Back when I bothered raising the fry I tried for 5 times per day if I could.

It's no wonder they prefer the meatier flake - they're preditors of a sort. They don't need the spirulina the way mbuna do. I've always crushed up the adult food to feed to the fry. They'll love frozen baby brine too.

I don't see a problem with 74, though warmer temps speed up the metabolism and promote faster growth.

 

[Exiled]

Thanks CA
I want these little guys to grow Grow GROW ....

I was feeding them the herbivorous stuff in addition to the meat-based flake because I figured, as babies in the wild they would eat absolutely anything that may cross their little mouths to ensure their survival. and Hey -- veggies are always a good thing!



thanks again I'll name one of the ruby's after you