When do they get it right?

[mr limpet]

849E2ECA-562D-4258-8BF8-F4E18292B948.jpgHere’s my pair. They ate the eggs again. They are in their own 20 gallon tank. Yes they do have small spawns. I’ll just keep on letting them try. Was thinking about changing male, but I really don’t know which of my others are males.

[klr-dude]

limpet
it is hard to see in the pictures , but do you think they are a bit on the small side ?
maybe they get bigger spawns as they get bigger themselves .

[mr limpet]

You are right. The Red Melon male is around 5 1/2 inches and the Pigeon female is only 4 1/2 inches.

[Second Hand Pat]

You are right. The Red Melon male is around 5 1/2 inches and the Pigeon female is only 4 1/2 inches.

Are the fish young? or just small?
Pat

[mr limpet]

The Red Melon I got from a breeder in Staten Island about 7 months ago. He was 5 inches back then. Don’t know the age. The Pigeon I got off of Craigslist a couple of months ago. I know that’s the female, I saw her lay eggs. Unfortunately I don’t know the ages of either. Btw I change 50% water 2 times a week. I keep water temp at 84 degrees.

[CliffsDiscus]

The female wouldn't get much larger because she already started to ovulate.

Cliff

[mr limpet]

If she doesn’t get any larger is that what’s called stunted?

[klr-dude]

The female wouldn't get much larger because she already started to ovulate.

Cliff

what would happen if you separate them , would the female start growing again ?

[mr limpet]

Pair laid eggs 2 days ago. Checked today, the eggs were eaten. This has to be around 12 times they have laid eggs. Think I need to separate this pair. Maybe I’ll take the female and put her in my display tank with about 8 other Discus. Maybe she’ll pair up with one of them. Don’t really like keeping the male by himself, but don’t know what else to do.

[Mr.BigBlock]

Try screening the eggs...it worked for pairs that have been egg-eaters. You'll also be able to see if the eggs are even fertilized.

[mr limpet]

Ok. What do I use for a screen?

[mr limpet]

Also the other problem is that a couple of times eggs did hatch. But within a few days they were eaten. That why maybe a new mate.

[mr limpet]

Although I really don’t know who’s doing all the eating. The male or female. I’ve never caught them in the act.

[brewmaster15]

Have you seen the male actually make passes over the eggs as the female was laying them? Males tend to mature slower than females and young ones often haven't got a clue what they are supposed to do.
al

[Altum Nut]

Ok. What do I use for a screen?

Gutter Guard plastic mesh usually found at big box stores. Cut the length required to fit around breeding cone leaving an inch or so away from cone surface then use plastic ties to connect ends so that it sits upright.
A better suggestion is PVC coated welded metal fencing which is heavier and sits sturdier but I think it comes in large rolls that is pricey.

...Ralph