Rams Spawned For The First Time!

[martin_jones]

I was really excited to see that two of my blue rams had spawned. They were at the back of my tank defending a small indentation in the gravel.

I then fed my fish this morning, and both rams came up to get some food. One of the bronze cories then headed straight for the indentation and ate all the eggs

The rams then chased him away and stayed at the nest all day, but have now started swimming round the tank again.

Do you think they'll learn not to leave it unattended any more, or should I only feed once I can see all the other fish?

 

[RadaR]

Hey Martin

The Rams should learn how to look after the eggs/fry. It can be very hard for a pair to raise fry from eggs in a community tank due to the large amount of fish in there that are likely to eat the eggs/fry. Aspecially if a pair is not very aggressive.
It seems a shame for a number of nests to go unsuccessful and if you really want to breed them then maybe get a separate tank (fully cycled) for the pair or just transfer the eggs.

 

[martin_jones]

Would the two rams be OK in the PFK nano tank? I have one but have yet to do anything with it...

Otherwise, I'll just have to let nature take it's course

 

[RadaR]

No. A 5.5 gallon tank is not enough to live in. However, if you put them in there to breed and take the parents out afterwards when the eggs are laid then that would be fine.

 

[martin_jones]

OK. Might give that a go.

Umm. I know they've paired up, but how do I know when they're ready to breed?

Should I just put them in the new tank and leave them get settled in first?

Also, I know rams fan the eggs. Is this essential or would the eggs be ok if I removed the rams immediately after the eggs have been laid?

Also, would the the small tank require decor, substrate etc, or just a stone for them to spawn on?

Martin

 

[RadaR]

When they are ready to breed you will see an increase in the colour and also the females egg tube. There also may be some "flirting".
Yes, put them in the knew tank and let them settle. I assume the tank (the cube) is cycled?
The eggs will be fine if you remove them. Just make sure that there is water current blowing over the eggs.
Gravel isnt needed (not having gravel will also make the tank easier to clean) but a flat rock is needed for them to lay the eggs on. Some plants would be a good idea to, just to make them feel secure.
Good luck.

 

[Amerce]

Hi sorry for jumping into this thread, but I have a pair of rams and they hav spawned twice now and the females ate all the eggs the first time after laying them and letting the male fertilise them, but she has just spawned today and I notice that she is eating the eggs within seconds of laying them now.

How do I stop this cycle of laying and then eating the eggs, is there anything that can be done ?

 

[RadaR]

Hi Amerce,
It make take several times for the pair to successfully raise a brood of fry due to them being in-experienced and may not have their full instincts. However what i reccomend you do is:
1. make sure the Rams feel secure in the tank ie. have plants (fake or real) in there and also some caves.
2. It may be best for the pair to have their own tank
3. Leave them be. Try your best not to disturb them at all.

 

[Amerce]

They have their own tank, only other inhabitants are a group of Cory Pygmaeus otherwise they have pots, java moss, bogwood etc.

She has spawned twice now in a gravel dip, just behind the bogwood and then again right behind the pot I left for her.

I have now placed a cover in front of the tank so that she isn't disturbed when anyone walks by, I'll keep her well fed so that she has no excuse for eating the eggs and keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks.

 

[RadaR]

Cool, cool. Sounds great.
Be sure to tell us how it all goes, and maybe some piccys?