How to raise 2cm flowerhorn fry? These care points you need to know

SummarySubstrate: Choose the bare tank method for raising flowerhorn fish, and a small amount of gravel can be spread on the bottom of the tank. Water quality: Generally use neutral soft water for raising, change the water frequently, and the suitable water temperature is around 28°C. Filtration: Use a filtration system to remove toxic substances remaining in the water. Lighting: Use a lamp for about 10 hours of lighting per day. Temperature control: Keep the water temperature at around 28°C.

1. Substrate

1. Generally, the bare tank method is chosen for raising flowerhorn fish, because flowerhorn fish have the natural tendency of large American cichlids to dig up sand, especially during the breeding season, when they often stir up and overturn the gravel decorations in the tank, and this can also cause dirt in the substrate to float up, which is why bare tanks are used for keeping them.

2. A small amount of gravel can be appropriately spread on the bottom of the tank, especially gravel with colors such as red, which can not only regulate water quality but also make the flowerhorn fish's colors more vivid. Regardless of the color of the gravel used, it must not affect the pH of the water quality, because some gravel releases substances that make the water alkaline or acidic, which will affect the normal growth of flowerhorn fish, so such gravel should be avoided.

2. Water quality

Flowerhorn fish have relatively strong adaptability. Water quality treatment is the same as for other ornamental fish: new water needs to be treated, then the water quality and water temperature measured, and then the flowerhorn fry gradually placed into the new environment. Generally, the water quality conditions for raising flowerhorn fish are neutral soft water, and the suitable water temperature is around 28°C.

3. Filtration

1. Flowerhorn fish are a fish species with a large appetite and high metabolism, so a high-performance filtration system with a large filtration water volume should be used to remove toxic substances remaining in the water. Of course, there are many choices of filtration systems, generally including internal filtration systems and external filtration systems.

2. Filter materials are also diverse in use. From dechlorination stones, filter sponges, biochemical balls, activated carbon, ceramic rings to gravel, all can be used. It is generally recommended to use a variety of filter materials together, and to always pay attention to the service life of the filter materials and the amount of water processed.

4. Lighting

1. Proper lighting has a very good effect on the color of flowerhorn fish. For flowerhorn fish raised in artificial environments, if proper lighting is not provided, their body color will lose its luster.

2. Generally, various fish tanks and styles of lamps are available on the market for use with flowerhorn fish. On average, about 10 hours of lighting per day is enough. Too long under the light can easily cause algae to grow in the water, which not only affects viewing but may even lead to oxygen deprivation and death in flowerhorn fish.

5. Temperature control

Large changes in water temperature can cause flowerhorn fish to become infected with white spot disease. Therefore, in areas where the temperature cannot remain stable above 25°C, a thermostat needs to be installed in the tank for raising flowerhorn fish to keep the temperature at around 28°C, so as to prevent disease caused by a sudden drop in water temperature below 25°C. To avoid a rise in water temperature, it is also very necessary to install a heating rod and thermostat during this period.