mirror time for FH?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
1 hr or so..It improves the color since the mirror reflects as another male and male flowerhorns aren't fond of each other >_<
 
Keep them on their aggression and territorial. The more comfortable they feel in their home and claiming their tank will bring out their potential much more.
I only use the mirror 1-2 hour a day.
 
Does this work with cichlids? I have a single male cichlid in a tank. There is a small Botia Striata loach and pleco in there too, but he certainly does not interact with them.
 
Cookie*420;4659038; said:
Does this work with cichlids? I have a single male cichlid in a tank. There is a small Botia Striata loach and pleco in there too, but he certainly does not interact with them.

I bet it will work with cichlids. Afterall, flowerhorn is a cichlid...:D
 
The idea is to produce more natural hormones, which in turn will increase head, color, as well as overall body shape. In nature, the dominant fish always has the biggest head and thats whats being simulated with the mirror trick.
People who leave mirrors hanging in the tank, or keep a mirror on the side all the time arent doing any good. The fish will eventually see it as not a threat. But on the other hand when he sees himself a couple times a week, It could potentially raise his hormones to improve his overall performance.
On another note, If your fish is scared of a mirror, Like most CA/SA would be, your actually doing more harm than good. You are stressing him plus making him feel threatened by him know there is a fish of his size around. Flowerhorns tend to be more confident in approaching rivals. Also too much mirror can stress the fish. Id advise 45min-1hr 4-5 days a week at the max. Works much better with adult fish as well.
 
Thank you FishingOut. I will not even bother trying then. The last thing I want to do is stress him out, or make him more aggressive in the tank when I plan to add more inhabitants in the future.
 
I have heard of JDs attacking mirrors. I have never thought of it with my FH. I might give it a try and see what happens. Do you actually put it in the tank or just put it up against the outside? Mine is already angry and ready to throwdown in a split second as it is!

Doesn't Marineland make a 37 gallon with a mirrored background?
 
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