Outdoor Breeding Setup

[TankMaster]

I've been complaining about space for tanks lately and started planning to build an OUTDOOR breeding setup. (Similar to a Hot House Tunnel)

I'm currently ordering material to build a 4mX3m Carport in my ,very empty, backyard.

Current Plans


Have a 5mx5m section paved or concreted and build the carport (with transparent corrugated roof) over that.



Setup stands and tanks :

- 3 x 2ft - Fry/holding tanks
- 2 x 1.5ft - Fry/holding tanks
- 3 x 3ft - Breeding Tanks
- 1 x 1.5ft - Breeding Tank (t/c apply)
- 1 x 1.5ft - Quarantine tank/Plant tank
- 1000L flowbin - Goldfish breeder


Allocate fish to breeding tanks as follows:

-3fts: Electric Yellow Labs trio
Kadango Borleyi Pair
(Undecided Cichlid Pair)

- 1.5ft breeder: Bristlenose Pair
(Tank will only exist depending on availability of adults)




Install waterproof electrical access
Install heaters and sponge filters
Run tanks for 1 week with guppies and cycling agent
Turn off unnecessary/empty tanks
Add cleaned substrate to breeder tanks (silica)
Remove Guppies
Add Breeder Fish
Wait for Spawns:p



I plan to eventually have all the tanks specified here although I want to start off with 1 3ft with yellow labs and 2 2ft tanks for fry growing. I don't want to give myself too much of work for now.

I'm thinking of getting a guaranteed breeding pair of discus from somewhere once I'm up and running.

Anyone have advice with regards to the setup I am planning to run?

Regards
TankMaster

[Donny]

This thread will need plenty of pics.

[Zoom]

Before you even consider going the discus route, I would advise you to firstly get Rams to breed. From what I've heard they are similar in water requirements, and if you can successfully raise Rams, you might have a chance at raising Discus.

Having said that... do you have the time to do water changes on discus tank everyday, as well as feed discus fry 8-10 times a day? You really need to think carefully if you want to seriously consider discus. I would then advise you to get into contact with the Prof. Read his articles in his forum relating to Discus. Go through all the threads relating to Discus... and make an educated decision. When you have decided, put some hard earned money into some books. (Get referred book from the Porf). After that, save up, and buy the discus. A "guaranteed" breeding pair is going to set you back approximately R5k.

[f-fish]

TM what is the end goal? You doing to go commercial or hobby style. If commercial what is the market volumes you are looking for? Chat to singularity he did an awesome setup - don't think it exists anymore but he can give you tips what might be needed to make this dream come true.

Later Ferdie

[TankMaster]

Might just scratch the idea of the Discus because this is a small scale operation.

Thinking about getting some Acei or Peacocks even some Demasoni instead of the Discus.

EDIT:

It's more of less for commercial and as a hobby. I want to limit myself to the above tanks and pairs. Only juveniles will be sold.

I will sell as much as the Breeding pairs throw out. The market for Malawi Cichlids in Durban is unreal so anything above 20 fry (per spawn - per female) will suffice.