Spawning mops

[Aussie_Bristle]

Hi all

I am interested in what your thoughts are about using spawning mops? I’m not big on foreign objects in the tanks but would do so if the feedback is good

 

[Colin_T]

If you are breeding rainbowfish, then artificial spawning mops are the way to go. They can be cleaned by soaking in salt water after use and this helps get rid of planaria, leeches, hydra and snails. The mops can be used repeatedly and last for years. You can cut bits off the mops and make them any length you like.

Use brown or dark green acrylic wool from BigW, Kmart or Target. Make the mops up and wash them with some soapy water, then rinse really well. Use a soap that does not have perfume.

Don't use bleach on acrylic wool because it breaks down the fibres.

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

Well I might try one I think. What about for Corys and Rosy barbs Colin?

 

[Colin_T]

Corydoras lay their eggs on hard flat surfaces like glass or smooth clean rocks like slate.

Rosy barbs scatter their eggs in plants and the eggs sink to the bottom. Spawning mops can be used for barbs but the mop has to sink and sit on the bottom of the tank. The adult barbs should be removed after breeding or they eat their eggs.

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

My Corys have been spawning in my plants this is why I thought I’d ask.
Rosy’s eat everything the little buggers, I thought if I could use a spawning mop I might be able to leave the eggs in the tank if they are hidden in between the mops. That way I’m not handling and disturbing them

 

[Colin_T]

Corydoras will lay eggs on plant leaves, but they usually need large leaves like Amazon sword plants or Anubias.

If you want to breed rosy barbs (or any barb or danio), put a couple of layers of marbles on the bottom of the tank and put the spawning mop over the marbles. The eggs will drop down between the marbles and the fish won't be able to get them. After breeding, remove the adults and the eggs will develop and the babies will swim up from between the marbles.

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

Thank you