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Thread: Shell Grit

  1. #1
    Tiny Fry
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    Shell Grit

    This question is primarily aimed at Ladyred but feel free to post if you know the answer!

    On the subject of using shell grit in a fry tank. Have you seen a noticable differnece between using and not using a calcium source? I understand it aids in bone development but I'm interested to see if and what observable differences this has. Better growth rate, less spinal deformaties, better shapes?

    I'm assuming there is greater need for shell grit when RO or softer water is used?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Eternal Moderator Merrilyn's Avatar
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    Hi Trebs, I don't have any scientific proof, but in my opinion I seem to be getting stronger fish with faster growth rate when I add shellgrit to the grow out tanks.

    Another Melbourne breeder friend, who has been breeding discus for longer than me, also uses shell grit or chalk in his grow out tanks, and reports the same stronger growth.

    It may not be so critical in other states, but Melbourne water is very, very soft, and a pH crash is always a possibility.
    Thirty-five years keeping and breeding discus, and I'm still learning :P

    Merrilyn has passed, but will not be forgotten - Goodbye dear friend

  3. #3
    Larvae
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    Does that mean he just throws in a normal piece of blackboard chalk, or does he dissolve it first?
    Dave

  4. #4
    Eternal Moderator Merrilyn's Avatar
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    ordinary white blackboard chalk. When it disolves, he throws in another. It's worked for over thirty years.
    Thirty-five years keeping and breeding discus, and I'm still learning :P

    Merrilyn has passed, but will not be forgotten - Goodbye dear friend

  5. #5
    Tiny Fry
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    Thanks.

    I'll start with a small amount of shell grit. My water is about KH 4 out of the tap so it shouldn't be such a big issue. At what age do you start adding shell grit?

  6. #6
    Eternal Moderator Merrilyn's Avatar
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    Around 2 - 3 weeks. Sometimes a bit later. Just whenever they start to really grow. And then I keep it in all the grow out tanks.
    Thirty-five years keeping and breeding discus, and I'm still learning :P

    Merrilyn has passed, but will not be forgotten - Goodbye dear friend

  7. #7
    Larvae
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    How long does it take for the chalk to dissolve?
    Dave

  8. #8
    Eternal Moderator Merrilyn's Avatar
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    Dave, I've never used chalk, but I imagine it would last several weeks, depending on the number of water changes. I replace my shellgrit after a month.
    Thirty-five years keeping and breeding discus, and I'm still learning :P

    Merrilyn has passed, but will not be forgotten - Goodbye dear friend

  9. #9
    Medium Discus
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    Hi Merrilyn you say that you use shell grit in your grow out tanks as they get stronger and have a better growth rate how long do you leave it in there for. I have 8 juveniles that range from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches would it benefit them or is it a bit late and if so do you just put it on the ground or in a pot ect.. thanks Leanne

  10. #10
    Eternal Moderator Merrilyn's Avatar
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    Because Melbourne water is so soft, I believe all juveniles can benefit from the extra calcium in the water, and I do use it for juvies of that size.

    I just drop a handfull of shell grit in the back corner of the tank.
    Thirty-five years keeping and breeding discus, and I'm still learning :P

    Merrilyn has passed, but will not be forgotten - Goodbye dear friend

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