Killie Setup

[Biulu]

I bought myself 6 20 litre fish tanks for rearing and future breeding of my fry. My eggs are supposed to hatch in a week, so I'd better get ready. The tanks have glass tops, split in half (so I can take off one part to feed and clean), and one small corner taken off to allow space for the airline of the sponge filter.

Now, since my water is quite hard, I was thinking of putting in peat. I have found peat in a garden center, but it is almost like dust, no big particles or strings of peat. What I wanted to do is to put the peat in a piece of cloth and sink it like a ball. In that way I don't get cloudy water but the tannins should be able to get out of the cloth and soften my water. Would this be a good idea?

Anything else that I should be thinking of? Btw I will silicon the hole around the airline to make it completely tight.

 

[BigC]

Its a woman's thing I know but why don't you buy some tights/stockings. Cut he legs off and use as a sock. Place your peat right down into the foot area and tie a knot the bring the excess nylon over the ball of peat and tie off again, do this as may times as you require but not too many as you still want the tannins to leach out to a certain degree.
This is how I utilise the peat.
Small margarine tubs for hatching fry (added floating plant - not duckweed) Keep them clean by means of a Syringe with a piece of airline added and replace water daily.
ATB
C

 

[Biulu]

Good idea! I am a woman, so easy for me . I have also bought some apple snails (tip from my German/Malaysian friend Sam) to keep the tanks clean. I have enough tubs ready. Unfortunately no floating plants, but I will place let some cabomba float in the tank. It is the best alternative I have.

 

[BigC]

Sam Safial is an excellent breeder of fish but if you wish to take your pH down and use soft water then I'm afraid apple or any other snail sp. will not last long as the cannot assimilate enough calcium for their shells.
Thus I use water which is very very soft and a pH of <6 and my tanks are devoid of snails. Snails are not good for the breeders tanks either as they will consume eggs.
Use snails with caution.
Regards
C

 

[Biulu]

I do not plan to use the snails in the breeders' tanks, only in the fry tanks just to get rid of the leftovers of the food provided to them. I don't think I will be able to get my pH down a lot, I am aiming for 6.7 and will be happy to achieve it. Last time I was able to get it to 6.5 and that is a real achievement here. I also had snails then in the fry tank and it worked very well. But thanks for the advice.