Penny-pinching challenge!

[elting44]

OK everyone I have a challenge for you:

Mr.Bob wants to set-up a cheap but effective (I know cheap AND effective is often a paradox but bear with me) breeding tank for a couple of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi. Mr.Bob can get a 10-20 gal at no cost. Other than that he has a very limited supply to work with, most everything must be purchased (or homemade). Assume that the only equipment he owns is a tank, some rock, a piece driftwood, and an air pump and some BB from another tank.

You have a budget of 70 dollars for all equipment (hood, lights, filtration, heat, substrate, etc) Don't take in account for fish and plant life.

Can it be done? Good luck!

 

[fishdance]

HUH? I have bred fish including rams in foam fishboxes and even plastic lined cardboard boxes when I have been pressed for space. You already have the fishtank and an airpump right? You dont really need anything else except for the fish. I would use a bare bottom tank with a plastic flowerpot to make an airdriven gravel box filter and keep the tank indoors if it gets cold where you are. Or overwinter fish in a community tank and spawn when its warm. You dont need a hood or light or substrate to breed. I feel like I am missing something so apologies if I have.

 

[elting44]

LOL fishdance, No you nailed it. I was suggesting a 60 dollar budget, you did it for about $3.95 What I was driving at was a little more toward a more visually appealing tank. I know very little about breeding fish, only thing I have bred was cons and that was on accident. I am aware that bare bottom can be the way to go. I was thinking more a comfortble stay for the fish. Anyone else want to throw 2 cents in?

 

[nolapete]

air driven sponge filter for $6 drs foster and smith
cheap incandescent hood $15 drs foster and smith
spiral flo. bulbs $6
bag of pea gravel $4 home depot (probably enough to do 4 tanks) so $1
bag of landscaping sand $4 home depot (probably enough to do 4 tanks) so $1
visi-therm 50 or 75 watt heater $15 drs foster and smith

$44

extras
stick on thermometer $2 drs foster and smith
freshwater master test kit $20
pimafix $8
melafix $7
API freshwater aquarium salt $5
net $1.20
sponge filter for fry tank $6

 

[elting44]

Nicely done Nova, here is what will probably be a noob question: What is freshwater salt for?

Any other takers?

 

[Druu]

Nicely done Nova, here is what will probably be a noob question: What is freshwater salt for?

Any other takers?

Freshwater salt can serve to ward off infection and parasites. If a problem arises, a low dosage (1 tbsp per gallon) is sometimes recommended.

As for your game, bare tank. Piece of slate from your backyard. If you've got filters already, just get fish and you're set. 20 long and put in a divider so you can separate fry when they get a bit larger, but I would let the parents mouthbrood until they spit.

 

[Death Pony]

I'm gona get in on this little contest. Haha, this is gonna be fun.

 

[nolapete]

Freshwater salt is to have on hand in case you need to treat ich. Add salt as directed and raise the temp to 85.

 

[thebestincali2000]

any un-iodized table salt will work.do not use iodized salt because the iodine will kill your fish

 

[Liam]

HUH? I have bred fish including rams in foam fishboxes and even plastic lined cardboard boxes when I have been pressed for space.

Dude, I am so going to do that!!! Very good idea. One uestion how did you grow the plants?