Benefits of water changes for Peacock Bass

[duanes]

Average pH in the waters of the Amazon is 6.6.
In tributaries such as the Rio Negro, Orinioco, and Rio Atabapo pH levels can drop tof under 4.

Average nitrate concentration in the Amazon is 1 to 2 ppm.

Its the combination of high pH, and nitrate, that make for a soup that is unaccectable for the health of most soft water fish species,
unless of course the water changes suggested in post #1, are used to come close to Amazonian nitrate levels listed above.

 

[wednesday13]

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

I agree the water differences can effect growth but these arent the same species of cichla either. Only temensis will reach 3’+. Im no bass expert but to my knowledge the other species just dont get anywhere near that large even in their home ranges. Like in florida where u have hybrids its the same thing. Not so much from the water but the genes. Its not even possible.

Looks like a similiar junker hybrid type like in florida.