Fishyfanatic
Aquarium Advice Addict
They did it again. Our male and female Sciaenochromis Fryeri had another batch of fry. (BTW- She was previously a Mystery African, but has now been ID'd. I previously thought they may be mixed breed fry, but they are in fact full breed). Last night we QTd her and this morning she spit out 26 fry. So far all have been survivors. Her last try only resulted in 1 survivor.
So, this brings me to our situation. We now have 66 African Cichlid Fry (39 Cobalt, and 27 Fryeri). They are all crammed in a 29 gal tank. I do not have the heart to put the fry in the main tank and have them eaten. It just seems wrong to make them fish food. It seems inhumane because if you consider in the wild, the female will take the fry to seclusion and spit them out when she feels safe, in an aquarium she does not have that option. But we can not keep 66 fry in a 29 gal tank for long.
I've tried reducing the temp in the main tank to try and stop the breeding, but it hasn't helped. Apparently they will do what they want to do, no matter what I do.
Now this brings me to my predicament. I am considering breaking down my 55 gal tank to accommodate the fry. I don't really want to do it since it took me 9 months from start to finish to research and stock the tank properly. It has been successful in my opinion. I have not had any German Ram or True Rummynose Tetra fatalities, and I consider that quite a feat considering their high death rate. I just planted the tank over the weekend and am hoping that it will flourish.
The fry are actually James' and I hate to tare down MY tank for HIS fry. I know, sounds selfish. But I am out of options. I had also considered setting up all of the 10 gal tanks for the fry in addition to the 29. I would have to return the 3 Tetra's to do this, but it would allow us to keep the fry. We have 3 10 gal tanks and the 29.
What do you guys think? I am open for any and all suggestions.
So, this brings me to our situation. We now have 66 African Cichlid Fry (39 Cobalt, and 27 Fryeri). They are all crammed in a 29 gal tank. I do not have the heart to put the fry in the main tank and have them eaten. It just seems wrong to make them fish food. It seems inhumane because if you consider in the wild, the female will take the fry to seclusion and spit them out when she feels safe, in an aquarium she does not have that option. But we can not keep 66 fry in a 29 gal tank for long.
I've tried reducing the temp in the main tank to try and stop the breeding, but it hasn't helped. Apparently they will do what they want to do, no matter what I do.
Now this brings me to my predicament. I am considering breaking down my 55 gal tank to accommodate the fry. I don't really want to do it since it took me 9 months from start to finish to research and stock the tank properly. It has been successful in my opinion. I have not had any German Ram or True Rummynose Tetra fatalities, and I consider that quite a feat considering their high death rate. I just planted the tank over the weekend and am hoping that it will flourish.
The fry are actually James' and I hate to tare down MY tank for HIS fry. I know, sounds selfish. But I am out of options. I had also considered setting up all of the 10 gal tanks for the fry in addition to the 29. I would have to return the 3 Tetra's to do this, but it would allow us to keep the fry. We have 3 10 gal tanks and the 29.
What do you guys think? I am open for any and all suggestions.