Would a simple siphon work for catching clownfish fry?

[Mike in AZ]

I've seen a few DIY snaggers posted here and saw some pics when I goggled them as well. The one thing I keep wondering is why wouldn't a hose, lets say 3/8 inch flexible hosing siphoning from near where the eggs are into a tank below work?

I have a breeder net / cage that I could just hang inside my sump below the DT, then run the siphon hose from above the eggs down into the cage. If I put a small funnel on the suction side I could leave the return pump from the sump going, and I would probably catch a fair amount of the fry as they hatch in the siphon.

Anyone tried this?

 

[phil519]

A siphon may work but it could also damage the delicate body of the fry. I used a small tupperware bowl and still had a large number of transfer deaths.

 

[reefstew]

Mike, yes that will work but only small numbers will live. If you want to see one which I have used then go to Pets Inc & ask Andy.

 

[john68camaro]

I use a siphon exclusively. I have had good success when using an airline tubing to retrieve the fry from the display. here is a picture of my tank blacked out retrieving fry. This is a reference picture, when retrieving, I man the siphon/air line and keep it close to the light and glass wall of the tank.

Instead of a flashlight to attract the fry, I use a submersible aquarium/pond light.

 

[landlord]

Up until recently I used 1/4 siphon tubing with great success, it's tedious but it works!

 

[flying_dutchman]

Siphon could work, but it best to move the eggs to the rearing tank a day before the hatch.

 

[reefstew]

It is ALWAYS better to remove the eggs the night before they hatch. But their are times the fish lay the eggs on the glass or large pieces of live rock. This is where the syphon will come in handy,& yes they do work.