Eggs not sticking to cone

[davidkirley]

Hi all!

So I've been working with a pair and the female's eggs are not sticking to the cone. About the 3rd or 4th attempt last night and only about 3 or 4 eggs stuck to their cone. It's my first time with a pair of discus and just getting back into the hobby.

I'm stumped. I've done a lot of searching and think that this isn't a unique problem, but the prevailing wisdom seems to be that the female will either figure it out or not. Anyone out there happen to have any suggestions?

I'm doing around 70% water changes each day, feeding a variety of foods, and doing about all I can think of to place them in a position to succeed, but I'll admit I'm at a bit of a loss.

Thanks in advance

[danotaylor]

What type of cone is it? I always wondered if a glazed and fired cone with a very slick shiny surface would result in what you're experiencing. Maybe try a different cone or surface for them to lay on.

[davidkirley]

What type of cone is it? I always wondered if a glazed and fired cone with a very slick shiny surface would result in what you're experiencing. Maybe try a different cone or surface for them to lay on.

Good thinking. This is one of those mass produced terra cotta looking cones without a glaze; rather matte looking to be honest.

I'll get a different cone for their next go 'round. Seems to be about every 13 to 15 days.

Thanks!

[danotaylor]

Hmm, that is weird, I would have thought the matte terracotta would be fine. Do you notice them cleaning the spawning area before they lay? Biofilm on the cone could be the other culprit.
With 3-4 failure to stick spawns though it's worth trying something different to see what happens.
All the best mate

[davidkirley]

Hmm, that is weird, I would have thought the matte terracotta would be fine. Do you notice them cleaning the spawning area before they lay? Biofilm on the cone could be the other culprit.
With 3-4 failure to stick spawns though it's worth trying something different to see what happens.
All the best mate

They're exceptionally diligent in their cleaning, starting at least 36 hours before she makes an attempt. Very weird indeed.

Fingers crossed

[Sturiosoma]

Have you tried tipping the cone slightly so they have a different angle to lay on

Jeanne

[Cove Beach]

Mine lay on un glazed cones, driftwood, and the the vertical black plastic overflow in the display tank, so I don’t think it’s the surface. Are you seeing them actually floating off?

[Second Hand Pat]

I wonder if this could be diet related?
Pat

[peewee1]

Hi all!

So I've been working with a pair and the female's eggs are not sticking to the cone. About the 3rd or 4th attempt last night and only about 3 or 4 eggs stuck to their cone. It's my first time with a pair of discus and just getting back into the hobby.

I'm stumped. I've done a lot of searching and think that this isn't a unique problem, but the prevailing wisdom seems to be that the female will either figure it out or not. Anyone out there happen to have any suggestions?

I'm doing around 70% water changes each day, feeding a variety of foods, and doing about all I can think of to place them in a position to succeed, but I'll admit I'm at a bit of a loss.

Thanks in advance

The cone is not coated with teflon is it?

[Sturiosoma]

If you watch them spawn are they actually getting the eggs on the cone and there falling off or is the female not making good contact with the cone

Jeanne

[CliffsDiscus]

The problem is not the cone but the eggs have not developed the adhesive glands on this spawn. Better luck on the next spawning.

Cliff

[danotaylor]

The problem is not the cone but the eggs have not developed the adhesive glands on this spawn. Better luck on the next spawning.

Cliff

Cliff with this happening 3-4 spawns in a row is there anything that can be done to correct it? Diet as Pat postulated? Is it a defect in the females reproductive system? Perhaps a maturity issue?? Cheers mate

[bluelagoon]

The problem is not the cone but the eggs have not developed the adhesive glands on this spawn. Better luck on the next spawning.

Cliff

#1

[davidkirley]

Have you tried tipping the cone slightly so they have a different angle to lay on

Jeanne

I haven't. I would have to prop it on something given the type of cone it is. I have another on order off of ebay that's a different style, so perhaps the change in pitch will do them some good!

[davidkirley]

The cone is not coated with teflon is it?

Not as far as I am aware. I purchased it second hand.