choosing the right crib for baby

[krafty8]

Hi,

First time for me, first time for them, so we're all learning together.

Need a bit of advice now that I've found the little ones.

From what I've observed, there are at least 6 fry hiding at the back of the pot - I'm guessing mama moved them there after they hatched.

Mum and dad are doing a great job keeping them safe, but they're not free swimming yet. Once they are, will they be okay in the main tank or should I move them?

Thanks in advance, Karen.

[krafty8]

Oh my goodness, I'm shocked I thought I only had 6 babies.
 
It's actually loads, they're starting to swim around the pot now and in the next couple of days, mum and dad won't be able to keep them inside.
 
I'm getting a bit worried, should I move them to a separate tank or will they be alright in the main tank once they're free swimming?
 
Any advice would be great, thanks.

[bristolite]

The main tank's inhabitants are a big factor here - can we get a peek at the little ones, maybe a photo?

[krafty8]

No such luck, they're still too tiny for my camera to pick up, sadly.
 
I've got angels, swordtails and a catfish pleco in the main tank at the moment, along with the proud krib parents and their massive brood - it's chaos, but lovely chaos.

[bristolite]

Angels can be a bit too curious for my liking when it comes to tiny fry, not sure I'd want to risk it, especially with so many little ones.

[krafty8]

Will I need to wait till they're free swimming with mum or is there another way I can move them safely?

[krafty8]

Just checked on them and she's already moved them out, nightmare trying to catch them now, thanks for the advice though.

[wingbeat]

I'd suggest leaving them in the main tank, there's a good chance some will get eaten, but it's just not practical to raise all those fry properly, you'd need a massive tank.

[krafty8]

I've got a spare 65ltr tank that's all set up and cycled, could I use that to grow out the fry? It's currently empty and I was planning to lower the pH for apistos, but that's on hold for now as I've got a tank upgrade coming this weekend. Would that be a good idea or not?

[_goldfin]

Not an expert on cichlids, but I think that 65ltr tank should be good for the fry until they're big enough to sell. You'll probably need to rehome them after that, by the way, what's the size of your main tank, out of curiosity?