Spot the Eggs !

[Europian]

Hi All,

My Rainbow Cichlids have just laid their 2nd batch of eggs :)

When the babies get dwindling, I tried 2 different Fry savers, a mesh net one and a clear plastic one - both of these didn't work, my Gourami's were sucking them out of the sides. I can't setup another tank - so are there any other suggestions for a Fry saver ?

These are the 2 I already have.

http://www.kensfish.com/breedingtraps/marinafloatingfishhatchery.gif

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3788232

Thanks

Ian

Here are some photos - one yesterday and one today !

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[fish-n-chips]

What about a tank divider? Nice looking rainbows and congrats.

[verbal]

The divider is a good suggestion. You might try "egg crate" material. You will probably lose some fry, but you get better flow through.

[Europian]

Thanks for the divider suggestion, I hadn't thought of that.

If I managed to get a 2.5 gallon tank, would the fry need a heater ? I have a spare air pump for a sponge filter - but no heater small enough.

Thanks

Ian

[verbal]

You success without a heater depends on your the temperature in your home. If it is in the 60s you might have issues. If it is in the 70s you probably will be fine.

If your temperature is too cold, you could float the 2.5 in your main tank and it should end up being warmed by the water from the main tank.

[Europian]

Well, the eggs hatched and the babies are free swimming.

Today I bought a 2.5g tank, and have ordered a sponge filter - and will try and save some of the fry.

For the tank, I've got a small piece of driftwood, and some floating plants (Dwarf Water Lettuce)
No substrate and I still have no heater, but it's pretty warm in the house.

Anything else required for the tank ? and how many do you think I should transfer in there to start with ?

Thanks
Ian

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[fish-n-chips]

I would put a thermometer to monitor what your temps really at plus being able to check your temp variance throughout the day. Other wise it sounds to me like you have your bases covered.If your temp isn't as high as you need , Hydor has a small heater that is preset. I have had one on a 3g eclipse now for 3+ months and it keeps the betta tank at a constant 82, although I am not certain if that is too high. Congrats on the fry!! If you end up having some for sale, remember that I asked first, I asked first, dibs, me,me,me,me :evil_lol:. Good luck with the babies and the parents are some great looking rainbows.

[Vicious_Fish]

Beautiful fish! I've always wanted to get a few of those but they would get shredded in my current tanks.

[Europian]

(fish-n-chips) Thanks for your help - If the filter arrives in time, and I manage to raise some of the fry - you'll be first to know :)

[Europian]

I have had another batch of eggs - it's only been 2 weeks since the last lot.

I did manage to save about 20 of the last batch of fry - and are in a 2.5g now.

How many of the fry should I put in a 2.5g ? Does anyone know what a normal % survival would be ?

Thanks

Ian

[steakman]

The successful rate of the frys raising by you is slim. Maybe 10%, and it depends on how experience you are. I had the same problem in the past, after I removed the frys, they kept on dieing left and right. Even when they were about an inch long, they still died one here and one there.
Out of maybe 500 frys (Jaguar), I managed only 30 of them.
So I bought another tank and let the parents raise their babies themselves (2nd batch). Roughly about 300 Jaguar babies survived.
But then after, I had another problem of having so many fish to give away (or to dispose).
So my advice is let them survive on their own, and keep a couple of them per litter, unless you own a fish store.

[FishVixen]

Just raise what you have and let the parents go to it in the community tank. When you remove the young some well constantly lay eggs so let them raise this next batch.