I have eggs!

babysteps

AC Members
Feb 15, 2009
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Canada
Well, not ME, my bn's, but you get the idea lol

I'm guessing it happened 2 days ago after I cleaned the tank, so the eggs are about 2 days old. This is my pairs first spawn (I thought they were still too young, but I guess not). Since I have never had pleco's breed for me before, I'm not quite sure what to do. I read that it takes about 5-6 days before they hatch and another 5-6 days before they become free swimming. Is this right? Should I leave the eggs in the community tank with the parents? (the tank is currently housing the 2 plecs, guppies, as well as a male betta). Or should I move the eggs (with the cave they are in) to their own tank? If I do this, should I transfer the father with them or not?
Would it be safe to just leave the eggs in the main tank until they hatch and then transfer them?

The only thing I'm worried about is my male betta. I don't want him getting to the eggs somehow (even though daddy is doing a good job at guarding them). He doesn't seem to bother my adult guppies, but he sure does a great job of controlling the guppy population and I know he would not pass up free eggs if he could get to them lol.

The tank they are currently in right now is a 20 high. I have a spare 10 gallon and sponge filter if they need to be moved. Although it's not cycled, I have some extra media I could seed it with quickly if need be.

So a little help? I'm completely lost! I'm used to livebearers! lol
 
Congrats! They should be safe with daddy for now, but plan on moving them out before they swim out of the cave or they will be easy food for the others. Hatching is 4-5 days based on your tank temp. I keep mine at 80-82 and in 4 days they've hatched. About 5 days after they hatch I'd fill that 10G with water from the 20G and pick up the whole cave, dad and all, and place it in the 10G. Once he lets them come out, net him out of there, his work is done.
 
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