OK so I read the breeders guide and I'm ready to give B/W occelaris' a try. need help

[duncaholic]

I've got the broodstock tank set up and occupied by a beautiful new pair of B/W. I've had them about a month and they are doing great. I've got a grow out tub cycling. I've pretty well decided to do the rotifier to Oto A larva to meta weaning cycle. I've read the book, or actually three of them. I am prepared for my lack of knowledge and experience to cost me both time, money and a little bit of stomach sinking emotional trauma, but I know I can count on RC members to help guide me through! so thanks in advance for that!!!! But right now my question is.....How long does it take for my little beauties (which are about 1.25" and 1.5" respectively) to grow to sexual maturity??? The stats:

20g high all glass with hood, 350 magnum canister filter and regular 15w T8 I've got some LR and Crushed coral in there for now to help with filtration, but plan to go bare bottom once they are grown out/conditioned.

12 hour light cycle

twice daily feedings alternating new life spectrum and de mysis(about 3 times a week.)

78F water temp

Ammonia undetectable
Nitrite undetectable
Nitrate 20 - 30 PPM
PH steady at 8.2

Water changes 10% every Friday

Daily hours staring at fish 2+

Desire for breeding behaviors to commence ... borderline obssesive

frequency of necessary reality checks ... daily

You know.......All the normal saltwater addict syptoms.

Anyway thanks in advance for your responses!!!!!!!

One last thing---there is a little white splotching on the face of the larger fish. Still eating and respirating well though. Anyone feel it's a cause for concern???

 

[jgrog76]

I am no expert but it took about a year from purchasing my clowns until they started laying eggs. They have now bred twice a month for the last 4.

 

[rkelman]

Mine were about a year as well. Feed well and crank the temperature up. B&W's like it hot hot hot. Is your tank fish only or a reef?

 

[duncaholic]

This tank is strictly FOWLR set up for the sole purpose of growing out this pair. When you say hot do you mean like 80 - 82 ??? higher still???

 

[rkelman]

I'd have it at 85 - 86 myself.

 

[reefstew]

I have 5 pairs of b&w for 3 years now & only 2 are spawning. I agree with Rkelman on the temp. I keep them at 84*.

 

[duncaholic]

WOW that is hot!! I better move the temp up slowly

 

[rkelman]

It may be hot for other fish but they love it. I wouldn't worry too much about slowly. They are tough as nails.

 

[duncaholic]

thanks for the responses!! One more question. I was thinking about building a centralized filtration system to house these fish as well as future pairs, including a pair of Bangai cardinal and now that I know how hot the B/W like it, I'm wondering whether they are going to have to be in their own system. I know it is premature since I don't have all the pairs I'd like right now, but could you give me a general temperature guidline for:

False percs
True percs
Pink skunks
Bangai cardinals
Gold stripe Maroons

Thanks in advance!

 

[reefstew]

I run my breeders at 84* & I have ocellaris, black & white, gold stripe maroon in the past & currently orchid dottybacks & all are spawning. Royal gramma are spawning on & off.