Benefits of water changes for Peacock Bass

[bassinmike85]

Water changes are crucial for growing out Peacock Bass quickly and healthily in an aquarium. Here’s how they help:



1. Dilutes Waste and Toxins

• Peacock Bass produce a lot of waste, especially when fed heavily for growth.

• Frequent water changes remove ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, preventing stress or stunted growth.



2. Increases Oxygen Levels

• Fresh water brings in more dissolved oxygen, which supports higher metabolism and faster growth rates.



3. Promotes Appetite and Activity

• Clean water encourages more active behavior and feeding, which leads to better growth over time.



4. Stabilizes pH and Water Chemistry

• Consistent water parameters reduce stress and promote stable biological functions, which are critical for juvenile development.



5. Removes Hormonal Inhibitors

• Fish release hormones into the water that can inhibit the growth of others in the same tank. Water changes flush these out, giving all fish a fair chance to grow.



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Best Practice Tip:

For growing Peacock Bass aquarium, aim for 30–50% water changes 2 times a week (Depending On Stock) Especially if feeding heavily with high-protein foods.

 

[phreeflow]

Great job on the graphics. Yeah, number 5 is something people don’t talk about enough but is important for maximum growth

 

[bassinmike85]

Great job on the graphics. Yeah, number 5 is something people don’t talk about enough but is important for maximum growth

Completely agree. I also think that is why were not seeing cichla as big in this hobby as we use to years ago.

 

[ryanstef]

thanks for share

 

[duanes]

Here in Panama there are invasive Cichla that over about 60 years after escaping, have heavily populated Lake Gatun and connecting rivers. But
These Cichla usually grow to about about 2 feet in lergth as opposed to the 3 ft they do in the soft low pHwaters of S America.
I theorize that the hard, high pH waters here, hold back their growth.

I also believe in the benefits of water changes, and try to change at least 100% of my tanks water per week (somjetime more)
Just Reducing the nitrate soup does wonders, and mirrors tha water parameters I collect my ciclid from.

Nitrate levels in nature above, with heave water changes, and heavily planted sump, my tanks water paramers below.

 

[bassinmike85]

What is your personal thoughts about hard water effecting growth? Fish can adapt to a wide range of water perimeters.

Example, if a cichla is in hard water but healthy adjusted just fine but is fed the best quality foods and water changes etc are on point you think hard water wont matter compared to diet and care?

Here in Panama there are invasive Cichla that over about 60 years after escaping, have heavily populated Lake Gatun and connecting rivers. But
These Cichla usually grow to about about 2 feet in lergth as opposed to the 3 ft they do in the soft low pHwaters of S America.
I theorize that the hard, high pH waters here, hold back their growth.

I also believe in the benefits of water changes, and try to change at least 100% of my tanks water per week (somjetime more)
Just Reducing the nitrate soup does wonders, and mirrors tha water parameters I collect my ciclid from.
View attachment 1560956
Nitrate levels in nature above, with heave water changes, and heavily planted sump, my tanks water paramers below.
View attachment 1560957

 

[amazontank]

duanes Hi buddy I heard there were excellent waves down there & giant rhoms!

 

[tlindsey]

giant rhoms!

Wow!

 

[duanes]

It's not that higher animals such fish can't adapt to pH changes.
Its that the bacteria that evolved to inhabitat different waters are pH dependant.
And fish from soft, low pH often have little resistance to those bacteria hard water bacteria (not the fish itself)
So dropping a Cichla from the pH 4 soft waters of the Rio Negro into hard high pH aquaium water can be frought with problems.
Ever wonder why we see so many Oscars living in closed systems where no parasites enter, are riddled with HITH scars?

It took 60 years for the 6 Cichla escapees to become dominent in Lake Gatun even though water temps were perfect.
In each spawn of 1000 eggs only a few were able to resist those bacteria, of the lake.
So expecting any wild caught Rio Negro Cichla to readily take to hard, high pH water, is a stretch.

When I hear the old adage that any fish should be able to adapt to any pH, (as a former microbiologist) I feel there is a crucial point being missed