Farlowella Spawn. Now what?

[Sundance]

All,

I was doing a WC today on my 130 and found a Farlowella guarding about 50 eggs on the filter intake tube. It's a community tank and from what I've read I should keep the father with the eggs BUT the filter tube can't be removed. So moving the eggs out of the tank is posing a challenge.



I'd love to try and raise these, that's why I got the pair. I was waiting to get setup for breeding but I guess nature called.

I'm thinking about setting up a plastic egg crate "fence" around the tube to keep the community away, and on day 10 (11 days of incubation according to a book on general breeding I have) gently moving the eggs to a clean and empty 10 gallon.

Anyone have experience breeding Farlowella's? What would you recommend?

Of course, I'll take ideas from all.

Thanks!

(Couple more pics and a more colorful recount of the discovery on my blog.)

[etheonut]

install an alternate filter, remove the tube with the eggs

Kevin

[mewickham]

Or buy a replacement siphon tube and switch them out. What model/brand of filter? Perhaps someone has a loaner part.

[sskruzr]

I have a Magnum 350 you could borrow. Probably only cost you some baby farlowella

[Sundance]

Thanks guys!

Corey brought his Magnum by (mine is Fluval) and they both have the same hose diameter. Thanks, Corey!

I moved the hard plastic tube the eggs are attached to into this 10 gallon setup:

With male and eggs:


The info I've got on them says the male needs to chew/suck the fry free on day 6-11. It also says he'll eat them if spooked. He hasn't taken up his guard position since I moved them. We'll have to see what happens.

[etheonut]

You could open the eggs if your male doesn't seem willing. Nothing like a good challenge


Kevin

[sskruzr]

Careful with my future farlowellas!

[paramedic07]

THIS IS SO NOT FAIR. MY FAROWELLAS HAVENT SPAWNED YET .

[pinkrblu]

Sundance has had his fair share of "Not fair" moments... Congratulations, Sundance. Hope things work out.

[Sundance]

Thanks, Kenna.

More good news - the male has resumed his parental protective perch over the eggs.

[Sundance]

I can see movement inside the eggs with a flashlight!

[pinkrblu]

This sounds wonderful! I am waiting to hear the "Its a boy..and a girl... and another boy.. three more girls..."

[Sundance]

Day 7

Three free swimmers.

[Jackielee]

so very cool. I am green with envy. Great to see babies. We visited Bella Vista last summer wish I had known you then.

Jack

[Ramswin]

I just did a Google search on them. They look quite interesting. I sure hope that all turns out well!

[sskruzr]

update update update. Where's an update?

By the way I have your microworms ready

[Sundance]

All but three eggs have hatched.





I lost three the night before last. I've added a fresh water drip, sponge filter, driftwood, and more zucchini.

Day-by-day notes are on my blog.

If you want to drop off those worms or if it's better for me to come by let me know. I'll be home around 6:45 PM.

[Jackielee]

This is so very cool. Definitely a great thing to experience even if it is vicariously for me.

Jack

[etheonut]

Sundance,

I am not usually a big blog reader, but I do enjoy visiting yours.

Thanks for posting your running account of raising these babies. Successful or not it will add to the overall knowledge in the hobby about these wonderful fish!

Keep up the good work!

Kevin

[Jackielee]

Did they survive, updates, pictures?

Thanks,
jack

[Sundance]

Day 22
FAIL. All fry found dead. My best guess is that the tank was too sterile to provide enough micro-algae for these grazers. Next time I will add the fry to an established planted tank. I guess I should get started on a planted tank. = )

All in all, it's been exciting and I've learned some things. I'll try again when I'm better prepared.

[Jackielee]

Sorry to hear that. I am very interested in those creatures. May buys some and jump in. Just pulled two more BN spawns and I was really trying to stop them and have sold several of the breeders to help with that. Only good thing is one batch is both colors and the male was lf so some of the fry maybe and those would be my first lf. A bright spot in my dilema.

Jack