FISH KILLER

[acetennis2002]

I went to the store n bought a little 2.5 gal. kit to raise my fry in i cycled it for 2 weeks and figured it was ready so i put the fry in and they were fine (all 4 of them i could only find 4 the rest must have gotten eaton in the main tank) and then i woke up this morning and they wernt there......i looked in the filter and sure enough they were stuck to the filter cartrage dead as a door nail . so my project faild and i dont want it to fail again so i would appreitate some help with this i need to kno what kind of filter i should put in if any? should i put gravle in and what should i have in the tank as far as decorations go like plants cave ect.? and they are swardtail fry so do they neea a heater or not? thanks for the help sry about killing the fish...

 

[Annastasia]

I'd use a sponge filter. There a much smaller chance of anything happening with that. I'd also go sand or barebottom so they don't get crushed in the gravel, but fine gravel can be okay. I always give my fry lots of plants, rocks, and caves.

As for the heater...I'd use one. But it depends, if your house constantly stays at 75, you may not. But it's still a good idea, to prevent large temperature fluctuations which can stress fry.

Good luck with th next batch!

And little fry.

 

[lilfishie]

lil fry

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If you can, go for a 10gal- they are sooo much better they are much easier to maintain fully cycled and at least you can fit a decent size filter and heating in there. I strongly advise you go for a heater- as mentioned this will help prevent large fluctuations in temperature in the tank, thus creating a more stable and stress-free enviroment for the fry. I've always had plants and lighting in my fry tanks as live plants will help create better water quality in the long run; i have always had sponge filters in all my tanks and have always had much success with them although avoid carbon filters if you have live plants as the carbon will take out all the nutrients the plant needs to grow. A 10gal will also allow the fry to grow to a decent size too, but with anything less than a 5gal you will have to move the fry out before they are even a quarter grown unless you have very few.
Livebearer fry are very sensitive to enviromental changes and ammonia and nitrites- the slightest bit can kill them or make them sick.
I would avoid having gravel as the fry can get stuck in it, but fine sand is good
Remember to test for at least nitrites and ammonia weekly and to also do water changes on a regular basis.

 

[paulthegreat]

As above sounds good but definetly use a heater. The fry will grow faster with a temp. of 78F(25.5C). Since fry need feeding more often keep a close eye on the water quality. Having a small algea eater in the tank will help with clean up and keeping the tank cycled but since it is only a 2.5gal, you will not have room for all that many fry. If you are just planning on raising a few then it will be fine but if you are going to have lots then the algea eater would probably not be necessary to keep the tank cycled.HTH Sorry to hear about the fry , but with Swordies there will soon be more

 

[acetennis2002]

i would love to put sand in but ive never used sand i heared it was a big hastle and not a good idea for bigginers which i am. if i didnt use sand how would i put plants in it? and what kind should i get? thx

 

[paulthegreat]

I use a fairly fine gravel 3-5mm and never had a fry get stuck. This will let you put in some plants and gives the benificial bacteria more surfaces to cling to. It is easily cleaned with a gravel vac, but you need to keep an eye on the fry so you don't suck them into the vac. Even if you do vac up a few they can be rescued from the bucket with your net. Always check the bucket before dumping it since fry are curious and like to go for a joy ride. Probably what happened with your filter.

 

[mlee0332]

if you can't find a sponge filter soon enough for the next batch, use the net from a breeder net, and tie it tightly to the intake hose, and leave it puffed out so the harsh current is not felt by the babies...