Cichlids not growing?

[fatality2012]

Hi, I have a 55 gallon aquarium with a tetra whisper ex70 filter (about to get another one) and I do weekly water changes. I have a jack dempsey and two severums that seem like they aren't growing much.

The JD is about 4-5 inches long and I've had him about six months. The severums are also under 4 inches long and I've had them about 6 months also, is this normal?

I typed this on my phone so please forgive spelling and format.

 

[HUKIT]

Sounds like fairly normal growth rates, more water changes and a quality diet helps.

 

[rich311k]

I agree water changes and good food, lead to good growth.

 

[fatality2012]

I just started feeding them pellet food (fed them flakes before). The flakes always sank so it is taking them a while to figure out they need to come to the top. Also, the JD doesn't seem to be adjusting well to pellets. Any suggestions?

 

[HUKIT]

Don't feed them anything for a few days then try to introduce the pellets. I don't feed any fish flake food, it's to messy and doesn't contain as much nutrition for large fish.