How Can I Do A Water Change With Fry In The Tank?

[Teri]

I've got about 36 baby guppies that were born on Monday. Trouble is,I am overdue a water change,but I don't know how I can siphon the water without the babies swimming into the tube? I thought about putting something like a scrap from a pair of tights over the end in the tank, but that would also stop any of the little bits in the water from getting out the tank, and if i use a jug, it upsets the fish.
Any ideas?

 

[The-Wolf]

tie a piece of tights/pantyhose/stocking over the end of the syphon tube

 

[lifebegins]

.....but doesn't that stop the floaty used flakes and fish poo from going up the siphon too? I'm expecting the same problem shortly with my platy.....so all advice much appreciated, too.

 

[Brad.H]

I found that before cleaning the water if you splash the water a little the fry will hide in plant's cave's etc .. this will allow you to clean the water easier but still being vigilant watching for the odd stragler and if u empty water into a bucket check it before throwing it away

 

[Teri]

Hmmm. I don't have a problem fishing them out of a bucket, but they're so fragile looking, I don't think they'd survive the journe through the tubing!
Think i'll just do the siphoning from a inside a net, then maybe use the net to collect as many bits of stuff as poss..I'd feel too guilty if I actually killed any.

 

[Rhiannon]

When I had stacks of fry, I just put the syphon tube thing on the bottom of the tank (rested it up against the gravel) and let it drain.

When I wanted to clean my gravel I just kept it close to the bottom.

You will find fry dont come down low anyway and stick to the top, so unless you are trying to syphon water from the top of the tank, you should have no problems putting it on the bottom.

 

[lifebegins]

Thanks, Rhiannon - I like and take comfort in that idea! Alison

 

[Fishgurl1996]

try putting a piece of netting on it. it may help. but just a thought.

 

[OldMan47]

2 1/2 year old post.