Setting Up A Fry Tank...

[Corrine]

Hi

My apistogramma viejettas have had babys .. So there officially a pair !! I am going to my LFS today to get tank and accessories for a fry tank.. but never had one before so i've got a few questions ...

Im planning on getting a 25litre clearseal tank, a small air pump and a sponge filter. I already have a 25w fluval heater.

1) Is a 25w heater enough?
2) Do i need a hood on a fry tank?
3) Do i need a light?
4) Do you have to cycle a sponge filter?... If so.. how?

Thanks in advance

 

[fluttermoth]

1. A 25w heater would be fine for a 25l tank, but I'd really strongly recommend you go for a 10g/50l tank. Fish produce hormones in the water that, in too high a concentration, stunt the growth, so you want as large a tank as possible, combined with regular water changes, I do 50% every other day, once the fry are free swimming and feeding.

2. No, you don't.

3. No, you don't need a light either

4. Yes, you do need to cycle sponge filters, just like any other. However, as you already have the fry, you're not really going to be able to do that. I'd suggest one of the old fashioned box filters; you'll need an air pump to run it, like with a sponge filter, but it has the advantage that you can fill it with media from your other filters and have a ready cycled filter immediately.

Good luck with your fry! Make sure you get some small foods for them

 

[KittyKat]

+1 to what fluttermoth said, the only thing I can add to that is that daily water changes would be even better for growth than every other day. As the fry grow, you might find that you need to do larger water changes even in a 10 gallon because they will be producing more waste.

It is also best to let the parents care for the fry because otherwise, the fry are likely to be worse at raising their own young.

Also, if you're willing to ship the fry or happen to be in Edinburgh, I would be interested in 12+ for the right price

 

[Corrine]

Thanks for your replies guys ...

I ended up buying a 54 litre juwel korrall tank.. (came with heater and filter).

Fluttermoth, unfortunately I couldn't find an old fashioned box filter like you recommended so I got a JAD sponge filter.

I obviously haven't cycled the filter as the fry were born unexpectedly ...

Will i be okay with the uncycled sponge filter running with daily water changes (at least 80%)? Or should I run the filter that comes with the Juwel korral tank with mature media in it (I think it will probably be too strong)?

Any recommendations!?