Discus fish Weight
Discus fish Weight
I'm trying to dial in my feeding amounts for my discus and I was wondering if anyone has come across any data on their weight based on size. I've been searching around but can't seem to find anything concrete. I'd love to get a more accurate feed amount going based on a percentage of their body weight. If anyone has any info, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Re: Discus fish Weight
Re: Discus fish Weight
You're planning to feed one discus at a time, right? If not, feeding by weight won't be practical. Happy New Year
You're planning to feed one discus at a time, right? If not, feeding by weight won't be practical. Happy New Year
Re: Discus fish Weight
Re: Discus fish Weight
Originally posted by seaquake
Do you plan on feeding them one at a time if not by weight won't work. Happy New Year
Honestly, I don't see the issue with estimating based on size. I've got fish ranging from 5 to 6.5 inches. If I can get a rough idea of the average weight for a 5.5-inch discus, I can calculate the total weight and then figure out the right amount to feed based on 1% body weight. It seems like the most accurate way to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding my fish.
Originally posted by seaquake
Do you plan on feeding them one at a time if not by weight won't work. Happy New Year
Honestly, I don't see the issue with estimating based on size. I've got fish ranging from 5 to 6.5 inches. If I can get a rough idea of the average weight for a 5.5-inch discus, I can calculate the total weight and then figure out the right amount to feed based on 1% body weight. It seems like the most accurate way to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding my fish.
Re: Discus fish Weight
Re: Discus fish Weight
Originally posted by Jurn
I don't see why it would not work. My fish are 5-6.5". If I know the typical weight of say 5.5" discus, I could estimate the total weight of all fish and then figure out the correct amount to feed based on 1% bodyweight. It is probably the most accurate way of feeding fish without over or under feeding.
You're not really thinking this through, are you. Come up with a solid plan, then we can discuss. I'm not sure you'll get the support you're looking for without a clear methodology.
Originally posted by Jurn
I don't see why it would not work. My fish are 5-6.5". If I know the typical weight of say 5.5" discus, I could estimate the total weight of all fish and then figure out the correct amount to feed based on 1% bodyweight. It is probably the most accurate way of feeding fish without over or under feeding.
You're not really thinking this through, are you. Come up with a solid plan, then we can discuss. I'm not sure you'll get the support you're looking for without a clear methodology.
Re: Discus fish Weight
Re: Discus fish Weight
Honestly, I think basing feedings solely on weight can be a bit limiting. If the fish aren't as active, like in cooler water, you might end up with leftover food. My tank's on the warmer side, and my fish are always eager to eat, but I still only add what they can consume in a short time. I also prefer keeping them slightly hungry - it keeps them active and engaged, rather than just lounging around.
Honestly, I think basing feedings solely on weight can be a bit limiting. If the fish aren't as active, like in cooler water, you might end up with leftover food. My tank's on the warmer side, and my fish are always eager to eat, but I still only add what they can consume in a short time. I also prefer keeping them slightly hungry - it keeps them active and engaged, rather than just lounging around.
Re: Discus fish Weight
Re: Discus fish Weight
I think it's pretty straightforward - if you've got fish that eat a lot more than the others, which in my experience is usually the case, then basing feedings on weight just doesn't seem practical.
You've got some fish that are going to get a lot more than their fair share, and others that'll be left wanting.
I say just observe their eating habits and adjust accordingly. If they eat it all up, add more the next time. Keep increasing the amount until they don't clean it up, then scale back a bit.
I think it's pretty straightforward - if you've got fish that eat a lot more than the others, which in my experience is usually the case, then basing feedings on weight just doesn't seem practical.
You've got some fish that are going to get a lot more than their fair share, and others that'll be left wanting.
I say just observe their eating habits and adjust accordingly. If they eat it all up, add more the next time. Keep increasing the amount until they don't clean it up, then scale back a bit.
Re: Discus fish Weight
Re: Discus fish Weight
I've come across some research from the University of Florida that suggests optimal fish health is achieved when adult fish are fed 1-1.5% of their body weight daily. This can be given in one or divided into two to three feedings. For example, if an adult discus weighs around 70g, the lower end of that range would be 0.7g of food per day. With 10 adult discus, that's 7g of food total - easily measurable and distributable as desired.
My question is, has anyone out there actually weighed their fish, maybe post-mortem? I've seen online that adult discus typically weigh 70g, but I'm not convinced of the accuracy. I think this approach would be a more scientific and accurate way to feed, considering many fish just eat without limit, similar to dogs, which isn't good for the fish or water quality.
I've come across some research from the University of Florida that suggests optimal fish health is achieved when adult fish are fed 1-1.5% of their body weight daily. This can be given in one or divided into two to three feedings. For example, if an adult discus weighs around 70g, the lower end of that range would be 0.7g of food per day. With 10 adult discus, that's 7g of food total - easily measurable and distributable as desired.
My question is, has anyone out there actually weighed their fish, maybe post-mortem? I've seen online that adult discus typically weigh 70g, but I'm not convinced of the accuracy. I think this approach would be a more scientific and accurate way to feed, considering many fish just eat without limit, similar to dogs, which isn't good for the fish or water quality.