What sort of 'breeding tank' do I need for my red-eye tetras?

Question

I have a school of ten red-eyes and two plecos in a twenty gallon tank.  I have an empty two gallon 'goldfish bowl' that I could use as a 'breeding tank' but I don't want to 'move the fish' (or even know which ones to 'move' and then put back after the eggs are laid) or whether they need an air hose and a filter or not.  HELP ... my females look 'ready to burst' but they aren't 'scattering' their eggs, because they have 'fake plants' ... I have a good 'feathery' plant for them, but what else do I NEED?

magicman116 · Accepted Answer

Red Eye Tetras are not among the smallest of tetras and are also very active breeders, therefore you will need quite a bit of space for them as a breeding tank.  Since they breed in a group, I would suggest a 20 gallon "long" style tank.  Fit the tank with a seasoned or "cycled" sponge filter, very clean water around 8-10" deep and cover the bottom with marbles, a plastic grid or something similar that will allow the eggs to fall through and be safe from the adults as the adults will eat any eggs they can find.  Include several bunches of fine leafed plants in the tank as well to encourage breeding and to further hide the eggs.  

Separate your breeders, males from females, for a few days before hand and then place them all into the breeding tank at the same time late in the evening.  If they are to breed, they will probably breed the next morning within a few hours of sun up.  Remove the adults as soon as possible after breeding and leave the rest of the tank undisturbed.

Once the fry hatch and become free swimming you should begin feeding with infusoria and white worms moving up to baby brine shrimp within a week to 10 days.

MM

fourcheeks4 · Answer

Sorry to butt in on this question, but is that $500 to $1,500 quote with roofing added?

Trending News

What sort of 'breeding tank' do I need for my red-eye tetras?

2 Answers