What To Do With Bristlenose Fry?

[TaraH]

Hi everyone

I am new to this forum so I hope this question hasn't been asked too many times before....

Our bristlenose catfish have bred - much to our surprise. For some reason the little wrigglers (they are still orange blimps with wriggly tails) have moved (or been moved by Dad) to the very top corner of the tank. I am guessing either because he felt they were under threat from the other fish or because this is where the best water flow is. I was wondering about putting in an air stone down the bottom to encourage them to move down, only because it makes it very difficult to do water changes with them where they are.

Can anyone advise whether it is best to leave them where they are and hope they move down in a few days when they have further developed, or try to encourage them down with the use of an air stone - my only concern with this is the stress this may cause in the "installation". We don't intend to use a fry saver or anything. We will let them fend for themselves and see what happens.

Thank you for your advice

Tara

 

[toddnbecka]

Why is it difficult to do water changes? They'll move down as the water level drops. In any case it won't be too long before they'll be developed and seeking cover in the tank. Once they start spawning there will be plenty more coming along. Don't worry about saving them all, or you'll soon have a very overcrowded tank as multiple spawns grow out.