archos9989 Messages: 3 Registered: April 2008 Location: Texas
Junior Member
I have a pregnant acei but it is acting very sad and slow and lethargic. I am worried about the birthing process because this is my first time. What should i do when the fry are released. Should i separate them into those fry holders you can buy at the pet store or just let them be? AS
archos9989 Messages: 3 Registered: April 2008 Location: Texas
Junior Member
I am not 100% sure if she is holding ...her throat and over all head size looks slightly bigger then usual...also she hasnt eaten in two weeks at all. However she just lies around doesnt move much while all the other tank mates eagerly are ready to eat and seem very healthy.
Malawi Mother Messages: 1213 Registered: February 2007 Location: Phoenix AZ
Senior Member
The only thing I can suggest is to move her to another tank. A hospital tank if you have one. You can't move her into a nursing box. She is too big for that and will most likely swallow any babies if she is carrying. Can you go buy a 10.00 tank from a store and just put a bubbler and heater in it?
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Malawi Mother Messages: 1213 Registered: February 2007 Location: Phoenix AZ
Senior Member
It is fine while mom is in there. She is not eating and therefor the food that you would normally put in there isn't causing ammonia however she is still putting out waste. So do 1/4 tank water change every couple days. I just use a 1 gal jug and take out the top water.
Once the babies are spit out, you will want to consider a small filter and get a sponge to put over the intake tube. This will keep the babies from getting sucked up and also the food sticks to it and they eat from it. If you cant find a sponge just buy one of those black sponges that go inside a canister filter, hot glue the ends like a pillow case and slip over the intake. That is what I did and it works out great.
For now, you can put mom in a small tank with no filter as long as you have oxygen and heat and water changes. When the babies are born, come back for more info if you don't know what to do next.
Oh you can also add 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt to 5 gals of water for soothing mom and destressing her.
Also I forgot, you will want to set heater to 81 degrees.
Trpimp147 Messages: 502 Registered: March 2007 Location: Littlestown, PA
Senior Member
yup yup thats great. i have a ten gal tank i have with a small hear keep it at 81f degrees. i have a ten gal filter on it and a cheaper light on it but it works great its growing algae now which is great so the babys can eat it.. my mother acei is holding again its a bit too soon but she did it her self not me... i tryed getting her to spit but it didnt work out. so im going to let her hold on to them for a little and place her in the holding tank sooon. good luck with your holding acei!!!