Considering Breeding

[Inchworm]

How often and how much should the water changes be? Also would LFS pay at least $1 per fish?

Hi Rex740

You should get more than $1 each but a lot of the price has to do with size. As with most fish, the longer you are prepared to grow them out, the better.

Water changes as needed but this will be more often in a tank where you have a lot of vegetable matter than otherwise. If you don't keep up with them, the water will develop a very noticible smell. With raising any fry, they do seem to grow faster and stronger with more frequent water changes. Corys secrete a type of growth hormone that, if not removed regularly, will have the effect of stunting the other fry in the tank. It might be the same with plecos and other fish.

 

[Rex740]

I am considering using a large rubbermaid container with a filter for the babies. Would this work? I would rather have them in a tank so I can see them but I think I might be better off with this. I would like to grow out the babies in it (to an inch or more) and maybe let the plecos breed in there when they are ready. After breeding I can put them back in the 48 gallon, unless it is better to let them stay in the 48 and just net the babies or take out the eggs as they come. Will this work out?

 

[Inchworm]

You would probably be better off investing in another tank, Rex740. Plastic containers tend to bow after holding water for an extended period of time so I don't trust them.

If you keep your home warm enough that an unheated tank will stay at 70 F. or higher, you won't need a heater. Try Craig's list, your local aquarium society, yard sale listings, etc. to find a bargain. You might even be able to pick up a filter & hood as part of a package deal.

 

[Rex740]

My parents will not allow another tank but I am going to soon ask them about the rubbermaid.

 

[Rex740]

I think it will be allowed. Alright, I would like to keep the pair in my 48 gallon (So I can see for display) but raise my fry in the container. How may I do this? Do I get them to breed in the tank and take the eggs or the fry when they hatch? If so, wouldn't a change of water kind of be bad? I'm taking suggestions.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Rex740

I've had BNs breed in a 30 gallon with a cory community and a pair of swordtails. There was no cave or other secure place for the male to place his eggs but he spawned anyway. I removed some of the fry from there and put them in other tanks and they seem fine so far. I've also had them spawn and hatch in a 10 gallon tank with a cave. These fry were also moved to another tank to grow out with no problems. However, all the tanks that I transfered the fry to were established and had some algae in them. I don't know how they will do if you start the tiny fry directly on vegetables or algae wafers but do know that they will eat them at a very young age.

You would want to run a filter in the fry tank (or container) and start out with a bit of mature media so it will be cycled.

 

[Rex740]

Yes, I will of course cycle the container before putting the fry in. I'll get the sponge filter running in my established tank for a little before transferring. I want to put some things in the container with algae established. Maybe I'll get some ornament/caves and get them in light somehow for algae. I might not be able to have a light for the container (is that ok?) and most likely I will put it near a window for algae growth. We have time to figure this out as I am not doing anything until mid April (fish supply auction). Afterward I will prepare what is needed.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Rex740

It sounds like a good plan to me. I just want you to understand that I can't speak from experience on this.

 

[Rex740]

Alright I understand. One question you might be able to answer. My 48 Gallons pH is 7. I have heard bristlenoses like it at 8. I am leaving main tank at 7 but if I make the fry tank 8 and then transfer the fry, from pH 7 to 8, would it kill them? Also, how do I get algae to grow on stuff without tank?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Rex740

The pH of my water is always right around 7 and the BNs do just fine in it. As far a fish go, they aren't particularly fussy. It's usually easier and safer to get the fish to acclimatize to the water than to keep a tank with adjusted pH stable. If fry are hatched in your regular water they should do OK.

You might want to ask about growing algae in the Planted Tank section. The folks who post in there might be able to give you some good suggestions.

 

[Rex740]

I need to figure one thing out. Transferring fry. Now, I know the male guards and fans the eggs, which I am assuming is necessary. So, when do I transfer the fry/eggs? I have thought of a few possible ways and I would like to know which is better or not safe. If you have any other ideas please tell.

1. Transferring the eggs (involves taking them away from male). I do not think this one will be very good.

2. Transferring the fry the day I see that they have hatched. I am not sure of this as they are still hiding and being protected by male.

3. Transferring fry after a few days from hatching when they become active. This is risky as when they come out (when they become active) my other fish will most likely eat them. Maybe I an attach a net or something to the open end and they will be safe when they come out until I can take over?

Edit: I think I found out how to do it. I am not sure, correct me if I can't, but I read this one person just picked up the cave with the male pleco and fry in it and just put it in the fry raising tank until the fry finally came out. Would the water mixing mess everything up?