The Baby Tank..filter Issues

[Bella]

I didn't put sponge/cotton on the filter intake in the tank... I lost a lot of babies.. I didn't notice for a while because there were so small i thought some were hiding... I have a lot of plants in a 29G for them..I found out to wrap cotton on the filter intake... but noticed this morning two babies stuck to it and dead.... I feel horrible .. I've been taking care of 60 baby mollies and about 25 baby swordtails for over a month... I have about 30 baby mollies left what is the best method to prevent this from happening? I feel so bad.. I realy should have not assumed they were strong enough to avoid being sucked in.

 

[OldMan47]

The best method that I have found to keep fry out of a filter is to cover the intake with a piece of filter sponge. In my tank I am using the replacement sponge for a model of AC filter but the manufacturer doesn't matter. I cut a single slit in one end of the sponge and slip the cut over the intake tube. It is this kind of sponge.

And looks like this when in place

The large surface area that is exposed to the tank means low flow rates that the fry need to struggle against.

 

[Bella]

oh that looks much better then what i did. I used a hair tie and just strapped a small piece to the bottom.. I'm going to do that as soon as i get home from work. thanks

 

[Bella]

oh i was rereading my most .. I hope it doesn't sound rude.... I was in a hurry and at work. lol. That is a much better method.

 

[OldMan47]

No problems Bella. I figured you were a bit stressed because you were losing fry.

 

[Bella]

oh i was rereading my most .. I hope it doesn't sound rude.... I was in a hurry and at work. lol. That is a much better method.

oh I feel so bad. And your method could not have come at a better time as i just had another sworld tail drop another batch of fry yesterday.