How the heck do you clean those breeder nets?

[TeaPea]

Hi all...being a relatively new parent of baby guppies I am faced with a dilemma. There's a lot of poop at the bottom of my baby guppie's breeder net. I dare not put a siphon in there...they'll all be sucked up in an instant. How do I clean it? The only thing I can think of is to put the babies in a styrafoam cup, and clean the net. Isn't this alot of stress on them though?


Would it be better to leave the poop for awhile until they get bigger? They are 1 week old and doing great...


Thanks!

[thom336]

I wouldnt generally leave the fish in the net while they grow, some people do, but you are faced with problems such as those you have come across, and possible stunting of fish, if you do. I would grow the fish on in a separate tank.

As for the answer to your question: With great difficulty!:D

[demon_surfer]

once the babies are out run it under the tap and it should all come off ;)

[TeaPea]

thom, at what point do you grow them in a separate tank? They're only a week old and haven't grown much yet as far as I can tell.

[Dangerdoll]

they can be placed in a separate tank immediately. Just be sure to provide them with a few plants for them to feel secure that there's no baddies in there with them.

[kveeti]

To clean the poop out, either use airline tubing or buy a new turkey baster, you'll get better control with either of those. If you have another tank that would be best, though.

[Mantis_22]

just go buy a bare bottom 5gl till they all grow. A DIY filter/Pump with work also...

[thom336]

The best way is to move the females that are pregnant to a rearing tank, and when they drop the brood move them back out - its easier than trying to catch little fry. And it is less stressful for the fry.

Thom.

[somefinnfishy]

use your siphon tube and cover the outlet with your finger for flow control then siphon in to net just incase.