Bbs Hatchery

[splashluff]

weell, I have just about every last thing ready for the spawn for at least the next month. I just set up my 10g spawn tank, Java Moss, Java Ferns, Cacomba, bubblers, siphoning supplies, microworm cultures, a vinegar eel culture, etc. Since I'll be spawning them on Friday, I need to start up my BBS hatchery soon after... I just can't decide what to use.

I bought a SF Bay BBS Hatchery with eggs from my LFS this weekend, but I'm not completely sure if I should use it or just make a home-made hatchery. I'm a tinsey bit squeemish about some of the steps involved in making a home-made hatchery... and my parents are freaked out enough as it is after seeing the microworm cultures . Has anyone had any experience with store-bought hatchery's?

Also ~ another question!! I've heard several different opinions about spawning tank water changes. Would a 25% WC and cleaning every day be sufficient?

 

[John_Nicholson]

I hatchout BBS in 1 gallon glass jars. All you need is something to hold water and a light. Thats it. We normally do not change water in the spawning tank until after the fry are swimming. A 5 gallon tank with 4 inches of water will be fine for the week it will tank to get a spawn. Once freeswimming I start adding water until the tank is full and then I start to syphon out and refill. Of course if I was to over feed then I would have to do something different.

-john

 

[Joby]

Had been using a homemade bbs hatcher with pop bottles and air stone sitting in the bottom to keep the eggs moving, but just recently bought the ones that go in the tanks with air supply form the bottom and have had a brilliant hatch rate since then. Would thoroughly recommend in-tank hatcher from NTLabs and shell-less eggs.

Water changes are at least 50% to 80% daily depending on spawn size as fry release hormones that stunt the growth of their siblings so they are bigger and better than them. The bigger the fry, the more hormone released. I guess its up to you though as to how many fry you get as to how great the changes are and how often.

Good luck with your first attempt

 

[splashluff]

THANKS for the info, John and Joby !

I will definitely look around for in-tank hatcheries. I'll probably try 50% daily water changes after the fry are free-swimming.