Broodstock advice needed

[_shorty_]

I have a mated/proven pair of occys in my display reef. It's an orange snowflake with maybe high B grade snowflake pattern mated with a Darwin. A couple months ago that I lost thier last successful batch that was close to 30 days old, when my 3 year old decided to 'add more light' to the fry tank and electrocuted them.

Since that batch, they are not producing.. Some of thier clutches seem small and often are sporadic (not regular interval) spawns, and they usually clean them off within 2-4 days (usually only 2 days).

I used to think it was bacteria, but now I'm thinking nutrition. So, my plan is to try and catch them and move them into a 15 that is already on my main system. That way I can make sure they are getting the nutrition that they need and not competing with other larger faster tank mates for food.

So... My idea - May be a bad one, which is why I need other breeder's opinions. I'm considering buying a (not mated pair, but 'established' - male and female already determined) pair of premium phantom (black) snowflakes.

I was then thinking of splitting the pairs. Male with female of new pair, and female with male of the new pair That way if/when both started to breed, I'd have more premium patterned black ice from one pair, and a mix of premium phantom snowflakes through standard black and white from the other pair. ...

Is this a bad idea?

 

[JustinGr]

Isolation is key, nutrition is also a good move. Just know that moving them will most likely restart the clock and it can take up to 6 months for them to start again. Not always that long, but it can be a while.

 

[_shorty_]

Isolation is key, nutrition is also a good move. Just know that moving them will most likely restart the clock and it can take up to 6 months for them to start again. Not always that long, but it can be a while.

That's kind of why I am asking the question. It'll probably restart the cycle anyway - which would probably be the best time to switch/re-pair them. But is re-pairing them a bad idea? I know there's some risk. I'm pretty confident I can provide adequate environment for them to be comfortable in... end results if successful would yeild more desirable babies that I'd more easily be able to get rid of... And ultimately, I'd love to get to the point where the breeding supports and pays for my addiction.. I mean, hobby.

 

[JustinGr]

Good luck with the costs balancing act... I've never been anywhere close! I'd repair and wait, worse case, you switch back.

 

[_shorty_]

Good luck with the costs balancing act... I've never been anywhere close! I'd repair and wait, worse case, you switch back.

lol. thanks. I guess it all depends on your spending habbits and setup. I may move them and give them some privacy for a month or two. If nothing, then I'll repair and be ready to wait the long haul. I really shouldn't spend the $$ on the new pair right now anyways. But tax time is coming soon....

Next question... Now how do I catch the little buggers out of my 120 reef?! lol.

I have a 2 liter bottle trap set up since a couple nights ago but they are so cautious, I doubt they'll ever venture into it. So far, I've only stressed them out and caught my rabbit fish. I may have to try to capture them with a net and live box while they're sleeping. I've caught them by accident a few times with my hand before when they try to bite me, but now that I actually want to - it's not happening.

 

[JustinGr]

I too wait until they are sleeping and use a red light flashlight. Not easy, but doable. Good luck.

 

[_shorty_]

Caught them both last night!! wewhew! I got lucky with the male while lights were on. Gave up on the female. Later after lights out, I went for the female, but she apparently wasn't asleep yet. So, both arms, shoulder deep in the tank for about a half an hour, I finally got her. I think she was tired towards the end, but so was I... I was getting ready to give up again. Only 3 new frags from the process... lol.