Protecting Fry in a 240

[bkfamus]

I could use some advice on trying to protect my Green Terror Fry in a 240G. I initially thought I didn't want fry so added a bunch of tetras to help keep them under control, but now I regret it as the mom and dad look stressed trying to protect their fry...

I have 6 GT (2 M 4 F) approx 2".. They've been in the tank a little over 2 weeks and I saw the first batch of eggs after a couple days and another batch from another female 4,5 days later.. I started w/ 10 Colombian tetras and added 5 more. I also have 2 Green Phantoms and 8 T. argenteus were added just last night after a 2 week QT.. Just last night I thought it looked too busy so planned to try to remove the Colombians this weekend.. It's going to be a challenge getting them out the 240.. anyways, just noticed the dad chasing away a Colombian for the first time, and sure enough, momma's guarding a bunch of wrigglers... What to do??? Should i try removing the Colombian's now instead of waiting until the weekend? If yes, any suggestions on how? Should I drain the tank as low as possible.. was thinking maybe adding NLS Float to keep them at the top...??? I'm starting to hate tetras.. the tank looked so empty w/ just the GT 2 Phantoms and 10 Colombians.. But now it's cluttered.. The Colombian's gotta go!

 

[Backfromthedead]

Totally up to you. Imo, once the fry are free swimming they will be all picked off by the other fish or even cannibalized by the parents. I dont think the parents are under overt stress...in a natural setting they would be experiencing similar predation. I'm more concerned your tetras will be the victims once those GTs put on some size.

The only thing I could think of is to scape your tank to give the fry a fighting chance. Add rock piles, dense clumpings of plants, hollowed bogwood, anywhere the fry can hide when they start to swim freely.

Imo, it's not as if the GTs will calm down appreciably if you removed the other fish. They will still hover over the fry vigilantly day and night until they are free swimming.

 

[FLA]

You can siphon off the fry to protect this batch. Feeding more will help the tetras stay busy. Putting a divider in the tank can cordon off the pair with the fry works well. You can trap the tetras out using a minnow trap. When the GTs hit 6" you won't have to worry about tetras anymore. If you like activity then mollies might be a better fit. They are a self replicating food source.

As is previously stated this is natural behavior lots of rockwork will give the fry a chance as they age.

Eagle Claw Minnow Trap | DICK'S Sporting Goods

 

[duanes]

I have 3 generation of spawns of Andinoacara in a slightly smaller tank.
From the first spawn about 4 months ago, only one survived.

From the next spawn, about a month or so ago, there are (so far) half dozen survivors

Then a few days ago a new spawn

It is very normal for a pair (in nature) to lose a high percentage of fry to tetras, and other predators.
In fact if only 1 individual survives to adulthood from any one spawn, that is generally considered successful.

 

[bkfamus]

Totally up to you. Imo, once the fry are free swimming they will be all picked off by the other fish or even cannibalized by the parents. I dont think the parents are under overt stress...in a natural setting they would be experiencing similar predation. I'm more concerned your tetras will be the victims once those GTs put on some size.

The only thing I could think of is to scape your tank to give the fry a fighting chance. Add rock piles, dense clumpings of plants, hollowed bogwood, anywhere the fry can hide when they start to swim freely.

Imo, it's not as if the GTs will calm down appreciably if you removed the other fish. They will still hover over the fry vigilantly day and night until they are free swimming.

Thanks for the feedback.. I'll leave it be for now, but still plan to move the Colombians this weekend if I can catch them.. Think the GTs, T argenteus, Phantoms and a PTC will be enough for that tank

 

[bkfamus]

You can siphon off the fry to protect this batch. Feeding more will help the tetras stay busy. Putting a divider in the tank can cordon off the pair with the fry works well. You can trap the tetras out using a minnow trap. When the GTs hit 6" you won't have to worry about tetras anymore. If you like activity then mollies might be a better fit. They are a self replicating food source.

As is previously stated this is natural behavior lots of rockwork will give the fry a chance as they age.

Eagle Claw Minnow Trap | DICK'S Sporting Goods

I may have to invest in a siphon... and maybe setup 20 long under one of my racks..

I did try feeding more which kept them busy but who knows what happened after..

I may also consider some sailfin mollies, later.. after I remove the Columbians and see if I still want to tweak..

Thanks alot for the suggestions!

 

[bkfamus]

I have 3 generation of spawns of Andinoacara in a slightly smaller tank.
From the first spawn about 4 months ago, only one survived.
View attachment 1455522
From the next spawn, about a month or so ago, there are (so far) half dozen survivors
View attachment 1455523
Then a few days ago a new spawn
View attachment 1455524
It is very normal for a pair (in nature) to lose a high percentage of fry to tetras, and other predators.
In fact if only 1 individual survives to adulthood from any one spawn, that is generally considered successful.

Awesome pics and set up duanes ... Thanks for the feedback.. I waned to just go w/ a hardscape but may need to invest in some plants for future spawns.. Right now I just have tons of driftwood and some rocks w/ pothos hanging out the top, a couple tiger lotuses and a couple Anubias atttached to some driftwood

 

[Joshuakahan]

I could use some advice on trying to protect my Green Terror Fry in a 240G. I initially thought I didn't want fry so added a bunch of tetras to help keep them under control, but now I regret it as the mom and dad look stressed trying to protect their fry...

I have 6 GT (2 M 4 F) approx 2".. They've been in the tank a little over 2 weeks and I saw the first batch of eggs after a couple days and another batch from another female 4,5 days later.. I started w/ 10 Colombian tetras and added 5 more. I also have 2 Green Phantoms and 8 T. argenteus were added just last night after a 2 week QT.. Just last night I thought it looked too busy so planned to try to remove the Colombians this weekend.. It's going to be a challenge getting them out the 240.. anyways, just noticed the dad chasing away a Colombian for the first time, and sure enough, momma's guarding a bunch of wrigglers... What to do??? Should i try removing the Colombian's now instead of waiting until the weekend? If yes, any suggestions on how? Should I drain the tank as low as possible.. was thinking maybe adding NLS Float to keep them at the top...??? I'm starting to hate tetras.. the tank looked so empty w/ just the GT 2 Phantoms and 10 Colombians.. But now it's cluttered.. The Colombian's gotta go!

Have you thought about a large fry basket if you’re able to catch them? I used a fry basket when I saw some fry in an old Malawi tank

 

[bkfamus]

Have you thought about a large fry basket if you’re able to catch them? I used a fry basket when I saw some fry in an old Malawi tank

I have few mesh fry baskets in the garage.. maybe I'll give it a try this weekend, or let nature take it's course.. It's gonna be a challenge getting the Colombians or the fry out because the tank is so tall (30").. well taller than I'm used to... Thanks!

 

[Joshuakahan]

I have few mesh fry baskets in the garage.. maybe I'll give it a try this weekend, or let nature take it's course.. It's gonna be a challenge getting the Colombians or the fry out because the tank is so tall (30").. well taller than I'm used to... Thanks!

Ya doesn’t sound like a fun task, if you’re able to, you should post some pics.