Seahorse Baby Rearing Log (First attempt) Barb/Erectus Mix!

[loans_n_fishes]

Well, I lost one yesterday and two today. :( One more may be on its way out. Hopefully things will turn around. Not sure what the factor is...

[loans_n_fishes]

As of tonight, I have 2 babies left. :( I just did a massive water change and added some Prime to make sure all ammonia, etc stays in check. Not sure if they are eating much. I put the bridal veil of chaeto in the main tank tonight to help with some extra nurishment. Hope they make it, but I am not very confident at this stage.

I will be more organized and ready the next time around. I saw Morgan (male erectus) and Chrystal (female barb) at it again last night. 8)

I am really hoping this log doesn't come to an end tomorrow!

[loans_n_fishes]

One lonely little baby! I put him in the feeding container with rotifers, algae, cyclopeez. I'm not sure whether he is eating or gasping. :( He is still swimming around though.

I REALLY hope he makes it, but I wasn't expecting to have survivors for my first batch. So although it is not a surprise, it is saddening none-the-less. :cry

I FINALLY found a brine shrimp hatchery in town, but apparently it didn't come with an air pump. :angry Now, I need to go buy that, too.

I imagine it is too late to start this little guy on it, but I will definitely be set for the next batch in one to two weeks. I assume it will be around that time. Am I correct?

I don't think it was a lack of nutrition, though. They all seemed to be eating the cyclopeez and I believe they were also hunting the copepods and rotifers. The only thing I can think of is either water quality or bacteria. That would explain them going at about the same time. I added Prime before even testing the quality...panicked. Some were scratching, but it seemed to be mainly when I fed, so I thought it was probably the food tickling them.

Any thoughts or suggestions for the loner...and/or my next batch? Should I go ahead and try to offer shaved mysis? (It's the flat package around the size of a piece of paper.)

[loans_n_fishes]

My last little baby is still alive and eating. I did a massive water change while he ate in the container. He is still swimming around. I don't think he is on his way out---yet. :huh

[erikharrison]

Are you using water from your other tank or just plain old tap? Do you test the levels in the tank everyday? I know that would be somewhat cumbersome, but maybe you are beridding yourself of some beneficial water? What size wc are you doing daily? I'm trying to spur some ideas!

[loans_n_fishes]

Using tap with Prime added. The tap water here seems to be of good quality and I have had no problems with it in my other tanks.

I do not want to use water from my other tank(s) because of the chance of spreading disease. Plus, I don't see it as "clean".

A lot of people raising seahorses change their water as much as 3 times a day, so I don't think that should be a problem. I do still have the seasoned filter media in the tank to help out.

When I say "massive water change", I am talking about all of the water in the 10 gallon tank except maybe 2". I siphon off the bottom to get all of the nasties out.

Perhaps this action is helping the little guy--perhaps not--, but it doesn't seem to be hurting him. Hopefully, this is what was needed to keep him healthy. I guess we will wait and see. ;)

[erikharrison]

Not sure how sensitive the fry are, but is it possible that the saltwater is of a different salinity? That could be causing it? Maybe try to make alot of sw first, then just add water from that?

[loans_n_fishes]

I always make sure salinity is matched before changing. I even add a little new water to the feeding container before putting the little guy back in the baby tank.

[loans_n_fishes]

Well, I lost my last little one by the evening on the 20th. :( It has been a rather difficult experience, but I hope it will be better this next time...which should be soon! I saw both males mating. One with my reidi and the other with the barb. I should have babies again fairly soon. What do you think of putting them all in the same tank? I know that the reidi do not hitch at birth and the barb/erectus does...