1st Atempt At Breeding Blackchins

[The-Wolf]

Day 1
Set up 18" x10"x 10" tank by
taking sand and water from an existing tank.
added heater and decor that I had lying around.
added a sponge filter run by a small airpump.
added lights via 2x 12" cold catodes run on a timer
on at 8am off at 9pm

Day2
introduced the fish
2 pairs of Giardinus Metallicus Blackchin livebearers

Day3 (today)
I have observed both males being chased by the females,
which I understand is the norm for these fish.
The fish were fed with a few flakes, green only as they are mainly
herbivours, which they redialy ate.

Current params
Temp; 26c
pH; 7
kH; 6
gH; 10
Ammonia; Zero
NitrIte; Zero
NitrAte; 10ppm

I will update this diary as and when things happen.
Wish me luck B)

 

[nmonks]

Looks good. Are you going to give them any live daphnia or something? Nothing seems to condition fish for breeding quite as well as live food. That they are herbivores is a factor though, so what you're doing sounds right to me.

Looking in the Tetra Press "Fishkeepers Guide to Livebearing Fishes" book, slightly cooler water is suggested, 22-25C. John Dawes' "Livebearing Fishes" says the same thing. Both mention cannibalism being an issue; Tetra's book recommends a breeding trap. At the least, I'd suggest a lot of hornwort at the top.

Cheers,

Neale

 

[The-Wolf]

I plan on bringing the temp down by succesive water changes to 24c
I've also read about adding a small amount of salt to induce breeding but I'm not going down that road just yet.

Live daphnia will be included in their diet starting from tomorrow on a 2 day cycle (ie live dapnia on one day, flake on the next)

As for canabalisum, this should not be a problem provided the adults are well fed, but it is something I will keep my eye on.

 

[demonmagus]

good luck

 

[The-Wolf]

day 42
found several fry this morning
(not that I've really been keeping this thread up )