Fry Tank

[drew85]

Hi,

I have some issues/concers regarding water quality and tank upkeep for fries.

First off, is there a 'mini' siphon for small tank? What sort of contraption do you all utilise? Any DIY references?

Secondly, regarding water quality in Singapore, is it sufficient just to use an anti-chloramine product (or how about anti-chlorine)? Does the local water supply conatin heavy metals that needs to be removed also?

Lastly, I've got a Hydra infestation. Is there any organic method to rid my tank of it?

[timebomb]

Drew,

I don't know about the others but I use an airline tube to siphon the waste from my small tanks. To start the siphon going, I use a turkey baster at one end.

As for chloramine in our water, that topic was discussed a couple of months ago. Some hobbyists believe the chloramine is there but some don't. Some play safe by rigging up their own carbon filters. I haven't rigged up mine as I haven't got a round tuit yet, if you know what I mean But seriously, it's kind of hard to get up and do the carbon filter thing when none of my fry or fish have ever died after a water change. Wright doesn't think so, of course and would probably say "serves you right" should I report that my fish got wiped out after a water change As for chlorine, you don't need the anti-chlorine stuff. Chlorine evaporates so if you leave the water in a pail, there will be no more chlorine after a day or so. Aeration will help the chlorine evaporate faster. This doesn't work with chloramine though.

As for Hydra, we have the medication to treat it but it's kind of expensive. If yours is just a small tank, I would suggest you simply transfer the fish into another tank and starve the Hydra to death by not feeding them with baby brine shrimps. 3 spot Gourami's are rumoured to eat Hydra but as far as I know, it isn't true.

Loh K L

[stormhawk]

The gourami method works, to the best of my knowledge, but only when the poor fish is starved beforehand. If fed with other foods the gouramis will usually ignore the Hydra.

I usually use a dechloraminator when I do water changes. My fish and fry seem OK so I don't see a problem as yet.

I use the same method as KL when I clean my small tanks. Usually with a length of air tubing with a turkey baster at the end to create the siphon effect.

[keehoe]

I found out that there are a few Hydra in myt 1feet square tank right before i go for my Chinese New Year break. Today when i got home and wanted to do something about it, all the Hydra disappear. I only have one Cherry shrimp and 7 Riv. Tenius "Tako Talpa" 2 big snails and their babies. By having the additional shrimp and 2cm fish seems to control hydra well. Especially if you stop feeding them for a week or so.

Another good news is, those egg that my friend send me have hatch.
That adds S.Chacoensis, Notho.SP.Aff.Korthausae Kwachopa TZL-53-01 and a few more Beira98 to my collection.

[CM Media]

I found out that there are a few Hydra in myt 1feet square tank right before i go for my Chinese New Year break. Today when i got home and wanted to do something about it, all the Hydra disappear. I only have one Cherry shrimp and 7 Riv. Tenius "Tako Talpa" 2 big snails and their babies. By having the additional shrimp and 2cm fish seems to control hydra well. Especially if you stop feeding them for a week or so.

I doubt that the shrimp nor the Riv will feed on the hydra. It must be the total cut of feeding that stave the Hyrda and eventually wipe them out.

[keehoe]

Au, i agree with you. The fishes and shrimp in the tank make sure no food available for hydra when i was away. I will continue to feed only frozen blood until i have enough time to redo that tank.

[CM Media]

I will continue to feed only frozen blood until i have enough time to redo that tank.

Err....

Kee Hoe,

You feed blood to you fishes!!!??

[keehoe]

Au, i agree with you. The fishes and shrimp in the tank make sure no food available for hydra when i was away. I will continue to feed only frozen bloodworm until i have enough time to redo that tank.

[Mod's Note: Worm Added]

[wcknight]

I also have a couple of questions:

Is it okay to put a few coral chips in the tanks that will be used to raise or keep Nothos ??

Whats the best way to keep algae under control ?

I have corkscrew val, and java moss in my main tank and the most is starting to have an algae problem. I have 3 florescnet tubes( 20 w) over a 20 gal long (30 inch by 12 by 12) tank.
regards wes

[TyroneGenade]

For my fry tanks I always employ some snails for clean up duty.

Siphoning is easily accomplished with a narrow bore hose with a piece of sponge slipped over the sucking end to prevent fry being sucked up.

I only siphon tanks. Tubs simply get the top half of water poured off and then refilled. The mulm at the bottom teams with infusoria. The snails keep the tub clear of rotting food.

tt