My convict wigglers

[TigerBarbs]

I only got 17 wigglers in my fry tank. They only laid about 50 eggs. Its their first batch and mine too. I took them out right when i saw them moving. Was this the right move? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jetajockey]

Convicts are generally pretty good parents. Next time, I'd let them raise them and see how they do, assuming they are alone in the tank. Raising them yourself is fine also.

 

[TigerBarbs]

They are not alone... They are with 5 tiger barbs and a 6 inch senegal bichir

 

[jetajockey]

Yeah you definitely did the right thing by removing them, even with great parents the fry are likely to get eaten.

 

[TigerBarbs]

Next time should i wait till they are free swimming?

 

[DragonFish71]

No, you can remove them as soon as they wiggle. Just be gentle and make sure you're using the water from the main tank.

I use a piece of airline tube and siphon them into a new tank that already partially filled with main tank water. I use a "pillow" of java moss to help cushion them going into the new tank.

My fry tanks usually consist of a sponge filter or small HOB (with a piece of pantyhose rubber banded around the intake) and a java moss bottom. Makes it much easier to clean.

 

[TigerBarbs]

Ok thanks! My eggs were unexpected so i grabbed a 5.5 and filled it up and got a tetra whisper 3i filter(i could probably use another one) and took some sand to cover the bottom just a little from my 4 month old 29 gallon for some bacteria. The fry wont get tangled in the moss?

 

[jetajockey]

Either way is fine, I always wait till my fry are at least wiggling because it seems to keep them from getting fungus on them, but after that it's up to you.

 

[TigerBarbs]

But your fry dont get tangled in the moss?

 

[jetajockey]

No, I've never seen that happen. Once they are free swimming they are usually hovering above the moss anyway.

 

[TigerBarbs]

Ok thanks ill definitaly get some

 

[TigerBarbs]

Just called both of my lfs and they dont carry it so im kinda stumped.

 

[TigerBarbs]

Will any aquatic moss work?

 

[jetajockey]

Yeah. It's not absolutely necessary but it's something I like to do and it seems to help.

 

[TigerBarbs]

I have a free swimmer now!!!!! Im down to about 6 or 8 fry though because of fungus. Sooo happy though!!! Ill add anti fungus stuff next time

 

[TigerBarbs]

My fry didnt turn out so good more died but im gonna leave them in there next time... Any advice for me?

 

[jetajockey]

Wait till they are near or at freeswimming stage to negate the fungus issue

 

[TigerBarbs]

Just doing a water change and after i looked at the convicts and she was laying more eggs!!!!!!! Im watching her lay them right now!!! Yayyyy