Running Out Of Space

[adambrum]

I have stopped doing my cold water changes after trying for 2 months i have more fry than i know what to do with.

At what size could i put my yellow lab fry in my main tank there about 3/4" at the mo.

There is plenty of ocean rock in the tank about 50kg so they have plenty of places to hide, I would have thought the other fish would ignore them at that size to small to be a threat to big to get in there mouths.

 

[Ferris]

There are no guarantees (call that a disclaimer ) but i have generally found that Mbuna ignore juveniles (the smaller the better) as they are not perceived as a threat.

If i ever add any new fish to my adult tank, i get them as small as possible. Of course this isn't 100% foolproof but IME it's pretty effective.

 

[Druchii]

There are no guarantees (call that a disclaimer ) but i have generally found that Mbuna ignore juveniles (the smaller the better) as they are not perceived as a threat.

If i ever add any new fish to my adult tank, i get them as small as possible. Of course this isn't 100% foolproof but IME it's pretty effective.

no offence Ferris - LIES



whenever i add fish under 0.75" into my tank they get chased and get eaten......

wait a little while longer - also introduce them in a breeder net for a day, then when they come out, they are not seen as - something new entring the tank - it must be food..



ps. they are eaten by my omnivore and herbivre fish before you ask, the calvus don't get a look in..

if they survive the first 30 minutes they be fine..

its like if the little fish panicks - it's dead, tyhey see something small fast moving and it must kick in a predatorial thing in them..

good luck but i would wait another week or two ~(fatten the little guys up

 

[adambrum]

I can see another tank comming so far i have

10 yellow lab about 2 months
16 yellow lab about 1 month
25 zebra long pelvic 2 weeks
1 yellow lab holding
1 elongatus mbenji blue holding (was about to remove these thought i had 3 males very hard to vent)

oh and a bad case of mts

 

[Ferris]

no offence Ferris

None taken

Just goes to show the different experiences you get with Mbuna - i've never lost a juvie but plenty of sub-adults and adults.

 

[Druchii]

maybe i should just clarify to everyone...from my own personal information (by all means add anything i'm missing or from personal experience )

New Additions to an established tank containing 'adult fish'

0-0.5" definate tasty snack upon entry

0.5- 1.0" well - do you feel lucky punk if they last the first 30 minutes, they will be fine

1- 1.5" - as long as the existing fish have been fed, should be fine, also no need for rock re-arrangement

1.5"-2.5" - depending upon species in the tank and ones adding you should be fine, but note you may need to change around the terratories.

2.5"-3.5" - give the tank a good re-arrangement so that all the fish are fighting for terratories, not all fighting the new guy.

3.5" + a possible WW3 eruption, definately re-arrange all rock work in the tank, even take out some of the existing fish and place in a bucket of tank water for 1hour whilst the new arrivals find their feet, then put the rocks back in then re-add the missing old fish.... everyone stands an even chance.

Also at this larger fish stage, be prepared that if you have any 'major problems' it is wise to be clear about whether you want to keep the new or the old fish, not both in the same tank, and have a plan B up your sleeve.

i hope that this helps,

Dru.

 

[Ferris]

3.5" + a possible WW3 eruption, definately re-arrange all rock work in the tank, even take out some of the existing fish and place in a bucket of tank water for 1hour whilst the new arrivals find their feet, then put the rocks back in then re-add the missing old fish.... everyone stands an even chance.

I particularly like that one - Very true aswell.

 

[adambrum]

I have just dropped 5 hybrids in to see how they do so far there in the rocks as i said i have ocean rock and most of the holes are to small for the other fish,If there still in there tonight the other labs are going in.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[adambrum]

30 minutes they did not last 30 seconds lesson learnt, At least i dont have to make a decision about what to do with hybrids.

looks like its time to use my quarantine tank again.

 

[Ferris]

Ah the joys of keeping Mbuna

You never know until you try - like you say time for another tank as i don't think you're fish want any new tankmates.

 

[adambrum]

Problem is they would welcome new tank mates with open mouths

 

[Ferris]

Any particular aggressor or was it just en masse?

 

[adambrum]

red zebra saw it first and went for it but i think the afra got it but i did not see it get eaten with my rockwork they could even turn up later but i doubt it.

I have put some of my other fry in a 20g and so far there getting on fine.

(picking up my astatotilapia tommrow should be another interesting addition)

 

[Ferris]

picking up my astatotilapia tommrow should be another interesting addition

Don't forget the pics.

 

[Druchii]

sorry to hear it, but at least you were pre-warned and only lost 5 hybrids rather than your pride and joy..

In my tank when there have been fry EVERYFISH goes after it, even the tropheus duboisi, yellow labs EVERYTHING

infact the onlt fish that don't get a look in is the calvus black (the only predator in the tank) cuase he's too slow......