Update: The remaining 10 from the first batch to fully survive meta are doing well. All are growing, they are on otohime A 100% now, with 50% water changes every 2-3 days and smaller changes in between. I have moved them (still in the bowl, there are only 10..) to a new location with a normal FL light. They seem to be doing very well, and are forming some sort of social hierarchy. Its fun to watch.
The last batch of eggs (the one I was not really expecting so soon) was about to hatch yesterday, so I relented and pulled about 75% of the nest via the tube method. I had 100% hatch last night about 11pm (lights out at 9:30). At about 11:30 I transfered them to the bowl, and I already noticed the quality of the larvae did not seem as good. Many (probably 50) were on the bottom and not swimming well or at all. (this is before transfer)
I transfered them all anyway, probably 250 or more, into the already prepared bowl. (It had been ready with rots and GW at 82F for a day already). This am (6 hours later) all but about 10 are dead. I siphoned them out, and observed them. Some are "circle swimming" others just lie on the bottom on their sides and dont move. I disposed of the dead, and hope the remaining 10 or so that are swimming normally will survive.
Interesting side note, between the last nest and this one, she had probably eaten almost nothing but pellets. Survival to day 1 is going to be about 5% tops.
I guess I need to relent and make some of my "own" food. The store bought stuff is too big (she loves it but spits half out because the pieces are too big), and pellets just arent good enough for a breeding female.
On the plus side, I'm getting good at all of this now, its almost second nature.
Jeff
