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seabass

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OK, so this might not be the right forum, and I haven't done my research yet , but here goes.

Day 1:
100516a.jpg

The clutch is currently in a 100 gallon tank with sump. Flow is very slow (just the return, and less than 10 times turnover). The only other fish (besides the parents) in the tank is a bicolor blenny. I have a number of questions:

  • All I have for food (that might be suitable) is Coral Frenzy; would this be enough, or do I need rotifers?
  • Should I grind the Coral Frenzy up further with a mortar and pestel?
  • Should I remove the rock and put it in a 20L with an airstone, or leave it be in the 100 gallon and just transfer the fry?
  • Or is it just unrealistic to think that I can save some?

Any help would be appreciated. I'll do a little research in the meantime. I'm currently reading this: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/269202-pickles-guide-to-breeding-clowns/

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You will likely need to use cultures for feeding. Additionally, the filters & flow of a regular tank setup will kill fry. You'll want to set up a second tank if you're intent on breeding and raising them.

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RIP Sebastian

I can put them in a 20L. Do I wait until they are free swimming or should I move the rock with the eggs on it? I assume that I wouldn't move the parents.

 

From what I have heard, you can either pull the rock 1-2 days pre-hatch (when the silver eyes appear), or wait an hour after lights out on the hatch date and siphon them out. Parents stay separated.

 

Nick

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MarkFernandez2103

From what I've heard they need to have constant flow and aeration on the egg but I think that's like after 4 days or so (don't quote me on that lol). Put them in a separate tank and maybe once the eggs are large enough but them in a breeder box or breeding mesh and put an air stone under them. I've also heard that exposing them to air maybe be fatal if more than like 2 seconds

 

This is what my friend did with his baby clownfish but only 5 or 7 survived

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I haven't really thought about what I would do with any survivors yet. A harem tank would be cool; but the thought of dealing with the nutrient export required isn't very appealing. I will likely take them to my LFS for store credit.

 

I think I just want to save them, to save them (and to learn something). But I'm not super optimistic about my chances (as I wasn't prepared, and the only experience I've had with raising fish fry was some guppies a few decades ago). I'm hoping to get the needed food and equipment in time.

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RayWhisperer

Pickles guide is good.

Your gonna need rotifers and either green water, or a dead phyto alternative to feed the rotifers.

If the rock is small enough, pull it once they are ready to hatch (eyes will be visible)

Put an air stone under them REALLY close, but not blowing bubbles directly onto the eggs. ( crappy description, hope you get the idea.)

You'll need baby brine, or some other tiny food shortly after metamorphosis, too.

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Put an air stone under them REALLY close, but not blowing bubbles directly onto the eggs. ( crappy description, hope you get the idea.)

I think so, you're saying you want the flow to help keep them clean (and oxygenated), but don't want air trapped between the eggs.

 

 

Here is a site I stumbled upon a few months back: http://www.breedclownfish.com/

Thanks Nick. It look like there is lots of good information there.

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RIP Sebastian

I think so, you're saying you want the flow to help keep them clean (and oxygenated), but don't want air trapped between the eggs.

 

 

Thanks Nick. It look like there is lots of good information there.

 

My pleasure. You help me so much I figured I should (try to) return the favor!

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Day 2:

100616a.jpg

There are less eggs today. I've witnessed, what looks like, the male occasionally picking at them (which I read is common). He still refuses to eat regular food. I'm not sure if the missing eggs weren't viable, or if something is eating them.

 

So my question is, can you move them to a hatching tank this early, or do they need to be cared for by the male until you can see their eyes?

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RayWhisperer

best bet is to leave them. Fungus is an issue, especially with eggs. The male will eat any infertile, or fungused eggs. Without him, you'd need to use something like methylane blue to prevent it. That would ruin your rock.

The male will pick at them constantly. That's normal.

  • Like 3
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RayWhisperer

Going all out, huh? If this is their first clutch, you may not even get any to make it that long. Not to worry, though. Just keep your same routine and within 20 something days you'll have another, bigger clutch.

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Yeah, I figure that if I'm going to try, I might as well give it a real shot. I realize there's a good chance that I'll come up short this time; but like you stated, I'll probably have some more opportunities in the future.

 

These are very common ocellaris clownfish, so there is little hope of making money off this. I just find it very interesting. I can't even say that I'm considering trying to save every clutch.

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RayWhisperer

It'll be a good experience. Just do it for that.

Have you made enough money to retire on coral frags? I know I sure as hell spend more on corals than I have ever gotten back out of them. Waaaaaaayyyyyy more.

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Ray's right, at least least for me. I'm doing it mostly because I don't know how to. That, and clownfish babies are just so stinking cute. I'm hoping to be able to share a few pics here. A big thanks to the generous people who have helped me.

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RayWhisperer

A friend of mine is a clown breeder. Ive picked up a lot of tricks by "osmosis." Lol.

If you have any specific questions, I can give him a call for you.

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A friend of mine is a clown breeder. Ive picked up a lot of tricks by "osmosis." Lol.

If you have any specific questions, I can give him a call for you.

Thanks for the offer Ray. I hate to impose on anybody, so I'll try not to; but it's nice to know the option is out there.

 

Day3: They are changing color. I guess things are progressing as they should.

100716a.jpg

The male finally ate today. He's doing an excellent job. I wish I had a better macro camera.

 

I'm getting a bit of cyano in the tank. I'm hoping it won't affect the clutch. However, I'm reluctant to do much to disturb them.

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