View Full Version : Will runts grow?
BlueBull
03-15-2003, 01:26 PM
Let's say if I have a runt, will it grow any bigger?
Are runts just fishes that grow slower or stopped growing?
Carol_Roberts
03-15-2003, 03:21 PM
Sometimes a fish whose growth has been stunted from lack of food or proper water conditions will grow a little more. It depends on how old the fish is and how long it was in poor conditions. Generally they never grow as big as they would have- even if later they are kept in optimum conditions
Ardan
03-15-2003, 08:45 PM
Hi,
I have a discus that was a runt, wouldn't grow as fast as anyone else. Well they all got fin/tail rot and the stress from that brought out "Hex" in the runt. I treated with Metro and it is now growing. I don't know if it will catch up to the rest, but I don't think I consider it a runt anymore. SOmetimes internal parasites are a cause of not growing, sometimes its the pecking order and stress, sometimes its genetic. JMO
hth
BlueBull
03-16-2003, 11:12 AM
What is Metro?
Carol_Roberts
03-16-2003, 03:00 PM
Metronidazole. Sold in fish stores as Hex-A-Mit
If you keep the runt dont be sad when it never get to be a full grown fish
DIZ
BlueBull
03-17-2003, 08:48 AM
Hi
But Metro should only be used when the fish is sick right?
I won't be sad, but I was just wondering if I can make the runt grow.
DarkDiscus
03-17-2003, 10:02 AM
BlueBull,
I think every single discus keeper has some runt stories to share with you. I have some new fish from Al coming on Saturday and I expect that at least one will end up small, even with my new water change system and multiple change/day routine.
If you get yours to grow, let us know.
John
BlueBull
03-17-2003, 11:33 AM
Well, I'm trying to find ways to make my runt grow.
I'll revert when I get some useful info.
RAWesolowski
03-18-2003, 02:05 AM
Blue,
The runt may be due to genetics, tank conditions, nutrition, disease and/or competition. My first fish was a 2 inch runt and he is now 4 inches after 6 months. Not the "best" shape, he's still a football but I like his coloring and his attitude. Note discus keepers seem to attribute human characteristics to fish just like any other pet owners do to their children.
A couple of suggestions are stimulating growth:
- Minimize competition by understocking the aquarium and by ensuring that the runt is at the top of the size chain
- Improve tank conditions by using a bare bottom tank with frequent water changes with a minimum of RO water
- Bump your temps in the aquarium to 86F to 88F to stimulate metabolism
- Feed high energy, high growth food... think live food (CBW)
If it doesn't work, you tried... the reultsd will be slow but you will notice them.
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