Okay, I've been doing my research and gleaned some info; however, there's nothing like the voice of experience. Hope some one will help.
Finally managed to net the mouthbrooding juvie peacock out of the 55g, she's been holding for several days that I was aware of. I put her in a small container first with tank water and some anacharis for cover--she immediately released them. Got them conditioned to new home water, got it ready, put conch shell in just in case they would use it for cover.
Finally got all in new home; sure enough, all 6 fry went into the conch, mom swam and swam looking at home next door. Looked up info, decided to put her back in 55 since she was paying them no attention, they are about 1/2 inch. All eyes.
Feeding: don't have access to live food in re what I found in cichlid forums. Made a paste with HIkari freeze-dried Daphnia. Dropping a little "wad" right at front door.
Questions: how does 5g hex tank stay cycled with such a small bioload? I put some substrate from 55 on bottom; tank has been established for five and a half months; put several stalks of anacharis in there. I know the uneaten food and plant matter will help, but as I know daily water changes will be necessary, is there anything else I need to do to prevent a mini-cycle? It's got a biowheel filter. Parameters stay fairly steady at Amm 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates 20-30 (it's become hospital tank and had a 2" apple snail in it).
Should I drop the water depth more? I took out one gallon, it's down around 4 inches, don't know if these kind need more shallow or not.
Are the freeze-dried Daphnia and finely crushed spirulina flakes enough sustenance? I read that the liquid food drops are a waste of money as they are mostly water.
Doubt I'll keep the first clutch through to full growth, but I'd like to try. Hope to at least develop a few for an aquarium at school . . . otherwise they'll just end up feeders. Thanks!!
Finally managed to net the mouthbrooding juvie peacock out of the 55g, she's been holding for several days that I was aware of. I put her in a small container first with tank water and some anacharis for cover--she immediately released them. Got them conditioned to new home water, got it ready, put conch shell in just in case they would use it for cover.
Finally got all in new home; sure enough, all 6 fry went into the conch, mom swam and swam looking at home next door. Looked up info, decided to put her back in 55 since she was paying them no attention, they are about 1/2 inch. All eyes.
Feeding: don't have access to live food in re what I found in cichlid forums. Made a paste with HIkari freeze-dried Daphnia. Dropping a little "wad" right at front door.
Questions: how does 5g hex tank stay cycled with such a small bioload? I put some substrate from 55 on bottom; tank has been established for five and a half months; put several stalks of anacharis in there. I know the uneaten food and plant matter will help, but as I know daily water changes will be necessary, is there anything else I need to do to prevent a mini-cycle? It's got a biowheel filter. Parameters stay fairly steady at Amm 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates 20-30 (it's become hospital tank and had a 2" apple snail in it).
Should I drop the water depth more? I took out one gallon, it's down around 4 inches, don't know if these kind need more shallow or not.
Are the freeze-dried Daphnia and finely crushed spirulina flakes enough sustenance? I read that the liquid food drops are a waste of money as they are mostly water.
Doubt I'll keep the first clutch through to full growth, but I'd like to try. Hope to at least develop a few for an aquarium at school . . . otherwise they'll just end up feeders. Thanks!!
