New flowerhorn questions

[yoboyjuice]

I got a flowerhorn about a 2 weeks ago. I don't know much about it. It's it male or female? Does it have a hard or water kok? What kind is it? Is it high quality?
Any help would be great.
Thanks,
Austin

 

[Travis Condy]

I would say that you got yourself a red dragon. At that size, it is without a doubt a male with the KOK size. As far as hard or water head, it has a water head; however, you're going to have to be patient and see how big it gets. Make sure to take good care of him and he'll keep growing.

 

[Zmeflyby]

Nice Flowerhorn, I would say its closer to mid to low quality, but it looks like a nice kok there.

 

[yoboyjuice]

Travis Condy Z Zmeflyby thanks for the help.

I have 2 more questions If anyone can help.

First is feeding. What's the best food(s) and how much? Rn he will eat everything I feed him. Is there any risks to overfeeding besides ammonia spikes and water quality? Want to feed him as much as possible to try and get him to size and be as happy as possible. Right now he's around 3 inches and is alone in a 60g and if I feed him pellets I can easily clean up after him. Also it's a bb tank so cleaning is super easy. I'll often siphon after feeding each day or every other.
The 2nd question is he's a little skittish still. He's improved a lot and he'll eat out of my hand but he's still afraid if I put my hand near the tank. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Austin

 

[Travis Condy]

I would say don't go crazy with feeding, a stable pellet three times a day with maybe bloodworms, raw shrimp, etc. If you want to get some growth out of him make sure to keep the temp around 84 - 86, this will help with his metabolism. Always stay ontop of water changes. KOK & color in flowerhorns are easily determined by how well you take care of him.
Plus, don't worry about him being skittish, he's a flowerhorn. Once he becomes comfortable he won't have any problem chasing your hand or try and bite you when you clean his tank.

 

[yoboyjuice]

Travis Condy thank you.
I've been pretty on top of things as far as food and water changes.
I've been doing 5 gallon~10% water changes maybe 3 times a week. Is it better to do it this way or weekly or every other week?

 

[Travis Condy]

I've been doing 5 gallon~10% water changes maybe 3 times a week. Is it better to do it this way or weekly or every other week?

I mean whichever is easier for you. As long as you are consistent, either way you will result in 25 - 30% water changes weekly.

 

[TheMoneyTank(TMT)]

Here's my 3 inches (flash ruined the colour of him he looks better) he was skittish at first just give time and patience (and a mirror ) and let him get used 2 movement outside the tank