The Puffer Forum

I have another dumb question. Is it possible to stunt the growth of my modestus? I have three of varying size and the smallest is growing faster than the bigger one's, which is great. I ask this because there is such an emphasis on Discus fish and WC to minimize nitrates so as to maximize growth potential. Then, on the other hand I have a brother who has a 100g tank with giant oscars and other large catfish that he's had since they were small, and he says he never does a WC. I want to do all I can to get them to reach their full potential.

With puffers it's always important to do water changes. Being scaleless fish they are more susceptible to stunting caused by hormones that build up in the water.

Dear God, I wonder what the nitrates are like in that 100g...

Never say never. He has'nt done one for at least a year. I'm guessing that oscars are just super resilient fish, much like a large mouth bass. Will eat just about anything.