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Fertilizer for baby Zebras
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 4:32 pm
by Dan D' Man
I'm a first time Dad to 6 -one inch baby Zebras, born in early January '05. From what I read, it takes 1 to 2 years before they get on with breeding. Is there a shortcut to this that will stimulate their growth? I keep them next to lab conditions, but my ugly common plecos seem to grow by the inches in an outside pond for Koi fish. Of course, I wouldn't dream of throwing them with the commoners, but maybe some of you got some magic growth formula; something like shrimp pellets mixed with steroids & Viagra? LOL..
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:54 pm
by Barbie
The difference is that your common pleco is growing into an 18 inch behemoth 
. They don't get sexually mature any faster, they just have a much larger size to attain eventually! Good food, lots of oxygen, and clean warm water seem to be the best recipe for growth that I've found. Then again, I haven't been trying steroids, sorry .
Barbie
Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 3:09 pm
by Dan D' Man
Thanks Barbie. I bought my Zebras from Kevin and he delivered some georgeous healthy fish. I guess I just have to be patient. How often do you do your partial water change and what % do you change?
Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:46 pm
by Barbie
My regular water change schedule is weekly, 30%. The fry in the house tend to get them more frequently, but there isn't really a set schedule. It just depends on whether I've got the Python out anyway for rainy seasons and what not . I kept discus for years, so it's not unusual for me to suddenly decide at 11 pm that a tank looks like it needs a water change. Thank goodness the hubby was a fishkeeper prior to finding me or he'd think I'd lost my ever lovin mind!
Barbie
Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 8:05 pm
by Des
Dan D'man,
There is no shortcut to growing them quickly, however the types and quantities of food do have an effect.
To get the best possible growth, I would feed high protein food which contain 40 to 50% protein, whether they be granular or even the Home made Frozen mix ( ground up extra fine for young ones) .
The largest of my 3 fry born late Jan 2005 is about 1.25" , is in with the adults and is fed the same food as the adults.
Did you know that frozen bloodworm is only about 7% protein. Almost all the rest is water!!!!
Regards,
Des