Red color in ranchu

[suphi]

As most of you probably know, I've been raising some black baby TVR and now they're starting to change colors (mostly yellow/orange). Does anyone know at what age will the baby chu begin to develop red color? Any clue to tell whether the fish will stay orange or turn red?

[bigbettadan]

To really get them Red, you need to either get them outside or get them some full spectrum lighting... Mine get their deep red color when I get them outdoors........

Dan

[Cincy Ranchu]

Dan has it pretty close to right, I am now using 17 watt screw in flourescent bulbs in shallow water and the are coloring up to a deep red in time. My advice is not to put them outside until after the frost free date in your area.

THX

[suphi]

Oh it's still in the 30s here at night, too cold for any fancy goldfish. They are doing extremely well right now so I'm not going to risk exposing it to cold weather. In the summer, they'll prob go outside...got a 150G rubbermaid tub for them.

I'm using 20 Watts fluo right now for 14-15 hr/day with 6 inches of water. I'm hoping to see some deep colors....just not happening yet.

[bekko]

If they are "full red", they may remain orange their entire life with little you can do about it. If there is any white at all, then they can develop a nice red when conditions are right (light, etc.).

-steve