Betta Fry

I need help with regards to a problem I have experienced. I have betta fry that are about a month old. They are at different stages of growth. I feed them brine shrimps - once in the morning, followed by a little Tetramin baby food for egg layers at midday and finally a feed of brine shrimps in the afternoon. I noticed one of the larger fry attack and finally devour a smallersibling. Is this normal? or is there a problem with my feeding. I noticed that they take in the baby food and spit them out. As this is my first spawn, I am anxious to get it right. Any help will be welcomed.

 

how much and how often do you do water changes

 

I started with a weekly change with an addition of 1 litre of matured water. Thanks for the response.

 

Let me start by saying I'm no expert on beeta, never bred them. Well seems like some fish are not growing fast enough. Seems like the smaller fry need to be culled anyway. You should do 40-50% water changes as often as possable. This will help the fry grow healthy. Water changes daily is great but should be done at least 3-4 times a week.

 

Thanks SlayerI started with water change as suggested today and will continue every other day. I was confused by some info that states that one should only start after a month. Thanks for the advice especially as to the reason for the different sizes of fry. The one fry that I mentioned is about double the size of the rest. I am thinking of putting him with my white cloud fry which are larger than him.

 

Moodleygym,

Solex69 has been breeding bettas very successfully for a while. He isn't online much anymore due to work issues, but he has a thread called "Breeding Bettas My Way." I as going to give you the link, but I saw that you have been there.

Solex covererd EVERYTHING you need to know in there.

Changing water everyday is NOT recommended.
I think Solex only puts a sponge filter in after a few days as well.

Please read that thread... you asking questions that have been covered IN DEPTH in Solex69's thread.

 

Thanks for correction on water changes zoom. Like I said I never bred beeta before.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2002252_breed-betta-fish.html

 

1. You might not be feeding enough food, or you're not distributing it evenly in the tank
2. The food you're using could possibly not be very high in fat & protein content
3. Most common reason, water changes should take place more often than usual as the more dominant fry excrete hormones that stunt the growth of their fellow siblings.
4. Tank space is also a contributing factor. The less volume, the less growth and also the quicker nitrate spikes which will result in fry death if not actioned appropriately.

But to answer your question, it is perfectly normal for some fry to outgrow the rest. And yes, agression will start to kick in as the chain-of-command is being established. You'll always have big , medium , small fry in any betta spawn. To power-grow your fry, 30% to 50% daily water changes (aged) should be done. Foods I use for my fry are as follows:

From hatch-date till 2 weeks - Frozen Rotifers only
For 3 weeks thereafter - Goldstar Granulate # 2 or 3 as well as Frozen Bosmids (at this stage, introduce 1 day off on the diet)
Thereafter - Frozen Brine Shrimp, Semi-crushed Spirulina Flakes (at this stage, introduce 2 days off...not sequential).
I only use Prof Bellstedt's food for my fish....works like a bomb. You could use Omega One Flakes or Dajana Flakes if you want to...they too work gr8.

By following the above feeding advice, you are making sure your bettas doesn't become spoilt whereby they only accept one foodtype because that's all people feed their bettas. Also, you are mixing up their nutrient intake with all the various foods.

For current bettas that are fussy eaters, starve them for about 3 days and then introduce your new food. Whatever you do, don't budge on giving in to their own food even after the 3 days starving period...wait another day and try again.

If your tank is heavilly planted, your fry should grow at a rapid pace....mine always do because of this.

Hope I've helped. Shout if you have more questions

Cheers
Dale

 

Thanks Dale,I have been feeding them newly hatched brine shrimps twice a day and a little baby food for egg layers by Tetramin - I noticed using a hand lens that they taken in the baby food and spit it out - it is possible that none are eating them. I am going to do daily water changes and move them to a bigger tank. At present they are in the same tank in which they were spawned (300mm l x 250mm w x 250mm h) I have the following tanks that are available400mm l x 350mm w x 300mm h) & (460mm l x 230mm w x 230mm h) which will be a good choice? The tank they are in has java moss. I am in Tongaat (KZN) I wonder who is Prof's agent here ?Once again thanks for the "lesson". Being a retired educator I have now taken the role of pupil, loving the experience.

 

Daily water changes are going to keep you very busy. Just make sure the new water you put into the tank is of same temperature and has been aged (at least for 24 - 48hrs)

The bigger the tank, the better.

Place your order either direct with the prof, or order from Veronica & Gavin....they to stock the prof's items. I'm sure they'll courier the items to you.
Brine shrimp is perfect food for your fry, but remember, give them a variety of food as you don't want them to only accept one type of food.

Chiao
D

 

Thanks for the prompt reply. I am going to put in my order for the food you suggested. Best wishes for the festive season.