Get some tips on feeding and growth

[Sportsnutim]

I've had some of these discus for two years or better and can't get them to grow very well. Just got a new discus 4.5 inches long and he/she is huge compared to mine, I think he is 5 inches. I feed mine twice a day. Chiclid Flakes morning or Spirulina Algae flakes. Evening I feed them Hikari Blood worms. Change their water twice a week an always make sure para's are good. Beefheart? I tried that once, unless I made the food wrong. Feed three times a day? One tank is 55 gal the other is 40. Thanks. Tim

 

[pinkertd]

If they are over 2 years old, you're not going to see them get any bigger. Either their small size is due to genetics or they didn't receive adequate feedings/food the first two years of their life. There's a window of opportunity for growing for all life. Once that window of opportunity is gone, the best you can do is continue to take good care of them, and enjoy them as they are.

 

[fishorama]

They don't grow much if at all after 18 months or so. Or do you mean fatter, thicker? I have juveniles 3-5 inches, I feed a variety 5-6 times a day, flakes, pellets, frozen, homemade BH & seafood mixes.
I change 50% water almost every day & even with all this 1 is significantly smaller & will probably always be small. But I still like him.

Is that 1 of yours in your avi? His eye doesn't look big to me, a sign of stunting. Oh, is it the new guy? Pretty color. Just enjoy them :thumbsup:

 

[pinkertd]

1 is significantly smaller & will probably always be small.

There are always a few smaller and bigger fish amongst the average size fish in any batch. Breeders cull the ones that show significant size difference while growing them out. They also cull the ones with any obvious deformities or odd shapes. When you see a nice uniform batch of discus for sale by any serious breeder, they will all look very near perfect. That is how it is with a good breeding program/breeder. Even my bristlenose cories and plecos throw some inferior, smaller fry. I do not sell those.

 

[Sportsnutim]

He isn't the new one, he and my older fish are beautiful that's alright if they don't grow my wife and still enjoy them. I will take a pic of the new one and put in my pics or change the avatar. But will learn when we move, and get a new tank.