2 to 2 1/2 months if feed nothing but BBS, and when able to eat flakes, Spirulina( Spirulina is optional, but is very good for colors, and helps immune system, which means less disease chacne, more energy growiong instead of fighting off a diease). Most retailers will but at 1 1/2 inch mark, others at 1 inch, or 2 inches and above.