When can I add a sponge filter to my clown fry tank?

[cabrego]

Hey all,

So far my journey to becoming a master jedi-fry raising formly known as nooby fry guy has been good.

For those, that don't remember my thread (posted in the clown/nem section) I began my first attempt at raising larva about 2.5 weeks ago. I was totally unprepared and took a crash course at raising clown (true peruclas) fry. I am now on day 14 and I would like to get better control of my water quality without doing a large water change. I am worried about ph shock since my display is at about 8.1-8.2 and my fry tank is around 7.8.

My badge is starting to register more of a greenish tint so i would like to add my sponge filter that I have been conditioning in my sump for the past 2 weeks. I have been adding prime to mitigate the ammonia affects. When can I add my sponge filter to the 10g. I can adjust the flow as needed. The 13 fry I have left are nearly through meta.

Here is a picture, I took yesterday- do you think they can handle the sponge yet, should I adjust the air flow way low?

 

[landlord]

I add the sponge filter as soon as the fry are no longer eating rotifers. What are they currently eating???

 

[cabrego]

BBS is there main food, I am getting them on crushed NLS pellets and I think that is causing my degradation in water quality. I stopped feeing rotifers a few days ago...

 

[landlord]

If it were me I would add the sponge filter, I cannot say what it may do to the BBS (will they get sucked into the sponge, etc) but when you start going to pelleted food the tank will indeed start to get nasty and filtration or water changes are required to keep the Ammonia down, or in the case of the filter converted to Nitrates.

 

[rkelman]

I agree get the filter going. I also add mine when they are finished with the rots.

 

[cabrego]

Thanks for the advice! I added the sponge about an hour ago, hopefully it doesn't suck up all the bbs, should I adjust the flow really low?

 

[cabrego]

Thanks for the advice! I added the sponge about an hour ago, hopefully it doesn't suck up all the bbs, should I adjust the flow really low?

by the way INPSECT your sponge filter before placing in the tank. This morning I found my 12 fry went down to 6 due to 3 baby bristle worms that took a ride on the sponge filter express.

 

[phil519]

ouch that stinks.

On the plus side you still have 6 - which is 6 more than if you didn't try raising them...so good luck!

 

[john68camaro]

For my larve rearing, I do not use a sponge filter at all... After meta, I do water changes and use amquel to keep things in check. I have not really had an issue going this way. I do know several people that use the sponge filters and they swear by them so they should only help.