I have noticed that water changes are better when they are done slowly. I still drip water in slowly even at 30 days, partly because I am afraid to make many changes. The bacterial infections do seem to wipe them out fast when they occur. I think you may be correct about the mouth problems. From what I can tell they don't seem to have them now so they may be able to get past them. Best of luck Kungen, let us know how it goes.
when to feed bbs to dottybacks?
- Thread starter mtbetta
- Start date
I'm up to 17 now that have made it thru meta. I have four stragglers that really seem to be taking their time getting done. It is funny to see them fight over a spot in a piece of pvc. There are more than enough pieces in there for each one to have its own piece but apparently some pieces are prime real estate. The battles seem harmeless still, I'm sure this will probably change as they get older.
David M
New member
FWIW a local store here went nuts and bought like 30 orchids and a dozen arabians, they are all large adults and all in the same 20 gallon tank. I thought it would be a bloodbath but so far (10 days) they are holding up OK. A lot of torn fins to be sure but they all seem healthy enough.
Hmm, not sure if shrimp larvae are different from fish but I change like 90-95% of the water per day without much die offs. Those that die are mostly injured by pipettes, etc. Might be due to the accumulation of ammonia in the culture water when you are doing small and infrequent water changes. Think a sudden large change in water after a period of little water change will probably drive the pH up and eventually what kills the larvae is the accumulated ammonia? 
Thanks again Edgar.
The lower left of the last pictures shows what the typical "fight" has looked like so far. Just sort of spinning in a fast circle with very little actual contact. One more made it thru metamorphosis last night so 18 now, only three to go. I think I have another hatch coming on monday night but I'm not exactly sure. The female didn't get as skinny as she usually does when she spawns. Maybe just a small spawn.
The lower left of the last pictures shows what the typical "fight" has looked like so far. Just sort of spinning in a fast circle with very little actual contact. One more made it thru metamorphosis last night so 18 now, only three to go. I think I have another hatch coming on monday night but I'm not exactly sure. The female didn't get as skinny as she usually does when she spawns. Maybe just a small spawn.
David M
New member
El Bumpo 
How are you guys doing with the orchids? Just for the self inflicted torture and abuse I pulled a nest and to my surprise I have several hundred looking good at 9 days. To me they don't look big enough to take bbs, I'll wait a little longer. I've tried this a few times before but this is the best so far at this age. No meds, just rotifers and IA in an Edgar tub (round black tub about 10 gallons).
How are you guys doing with the orchids? Just for the self inflicted torture and abuse I pulled a nest and to my surprise I have several hundred looking good at 9 days. To me they don't look big enough to take bbs, I'll wait a little longer. I've tried this a few times before but this is the best so far at this age. No meds, just rotifers and IA in an Edgar tub (round black tub about 10 gallons).
