Grow-out tank questions.

Discussion in 'Breeding' started by Jaco de Jongh, Jan 30, 2025.

  1. Jaco de Jongh

    Jaco de Jongh

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    Good day,

    I have a question for the breeders around here. I never planned to breed fish and mainly bought fish for display. As we went along they started breeding and more regularly than i planned for. I have a couple unused 2 foot tanks that I can set up.

    All of a sudden I have more fry than I can handle and have to consider setting up grow out tanks for the young. I cant add all of the fry to my community tanks as i will overpopulate them instantly. My plan is to grow them out to a size where i will be able to select the ones i like for my tanks and sell the others off. Spoke to a few of the local fish shops that is interested in buying any fish i dont want to keep.

    This was never my intention, but seems like happy fish breed, whether you are ready or not.

    I know most breeders use bare-bottom tanks, but I like planted / deep substrate tanks. Is there any reasons you know off why i should not do that for grow out tanks. IMO a planted tanks is a healthier tank and produce more micro organisms that the fry / young fish can feed on.

    What am I missing or overlooking. Any advice would be appreciated.
     
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  3. BigTank_Aquariums

    BigTank_Aquariums

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    What fish are you breeding? I personally use bare bottom because it's easier for me to clean waste off the bottom. Depending on how many fry I have I tend to do a water changed every 1-2days on the fry tanks. So substrate just makes it a harder process.

    I keep plants in pots in the tanks so the fish still have hiding spaces. I also use Pathos which sucks up a lot of nutrients.
     
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  4. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    Bare bottom is done for easier maintenance. As said much easier to do water changes in a bare tank.
     
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  5. Nick77

    Nick77

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    I have deep substrate planted 2 foot tanks for breeding and grow out but taking fish out of a heavy planted tank is pain.
     
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  6. Korpen

    Korpen

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    I used "aged" setups. Basically just a tub with sand and water left outside for a few months - once its nice and green, its a nursery with some micro organisms and diatoms which are excellent no-cost foods. I dont bother buying special fry foods and the like.
     
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  7. OP
    Jaco de Jongh

    Jaco de Jongh

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    This is what I am aiming for. I hope to achieve this in the end.
     
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  8. Korpen

    Korpen

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    Wish you the best!
     
    Whoknows likes this.

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