Covering The Tank While Breeding?

[athao04]

Hi again! I have made two attempts in the pass to breed bettas. I am trying with a 10g and have a couple 20g's for grow outs. I will be doing this in my biology lab and I will have all the necessary supplies. My question is, I have always been told to cover the tank with a towel to give them privacy, but how will I know if the female is just getting beat up or not? Ive never covered the tank in fear of this. Also, Ive heard that Cracker breeds in a 2g tub. How do you remove the fry from there without them dying from shock??

 

[dmarie04]

Cracker lives in Asia and the climate there is warm enough that he can breed in a 2g tub because he doesn't need a heater! I'm sure the temp in the 2g is just room temp and so is the water in whatever he transfers them to, so he doesn't have to worry about change in temp shocking the fry. Just stick with your 10g for breeding. I've never covered my spawning tank with a towel. The top is covered with saran wrap and a tank hood and that's it.

 

[devon_charm]

My spawning tanks have glass lids that have been cut a fraction smaller that the inside diameter of the tank. I never cover the tank while they are spawning and i don't think they are really shy as i have seen them "hugging" while i was right there watching, they were completely unfased. The only time i cover my tanks is when the fry are free swimming and then i only cover the top to keep it humid

 

[athao04]

Thank you for the replies! You've given me more confidence now =P

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Just wanted to add my vote for the saran wrap idea since not only does it help keep the humidity up as stated before, but it also helps prevent air currents from disturbing the nest. If you have a well fitting glass cover that would work as well.