Aggression question

[Singin4Cnu]

So I added a new discus to my main tank today only to find that 2 of my current ones had laid eggs. They now chase him all over the tank and are just being very aggressive towards the new one in general. Would it be wise to remove the eggs and let them get used to each other or just let them be aggressive towards the new one over the eggs. I would love to put the new on in a different tank until they finish with this batch of eggs but my heater in the other tank recently broke.

Suggestions?

[limige]

have that pair spawned in the past?
how well did they tend their eggs?

sometimes adding a 3rd will strengthen the parental habits of the pair.
of course theres the flilp side they could get worried and eat the eggs/wigglers

either way the third will get picked on, only way to avoid it is to remove the 3rd wheel.

[Singin4Cnu]

It seems as though they are just going to deal with it. The aggression slowed down considerably towards the end of the day and it has certainly made them pay more attention to the eggs than the last batch.

[limige]

btw, removing the eggs won't help

keep a close eye on them, they newbie will get picked on and beat up, try to get a heater for your other tank, once the eggs hatch you may want to get it out....


maybe our other breeders can chime in when is the best time to remove the 3rd fish...
btw how big is the tank in question?

[optionlessm]

how about ponying up the 20 bucks for a heater and move the 3rd wheel?

[exv152]

I'd move the new fish.

[limige]

now if he's had egg eater problems the new fish can help that....fyi

[caparzo]

I've heard that a mated pair can sometimes appreciate a babysitter. Maybe partition the new fish.. see if you get fry and then re-introduce ?

[Singin4Cnu]

So it would seem that as of this this morning they have accepted him. The issue is that I was trying to break the two from mating as it is a terrible pairing, cobalt and PB. But, on the other hand, since I added the new one their parenting skills have gone through the roof. Last time they laid eggs it was only the female to tend to them. They now are both constantly fanning on them. Either way, I am certainly going to get a new heater in case the decide to duke it out, but until then, I am going to see how it works out with them together. Id really like for the new turq to pair with the cobalt, but well see if i can break her from this PB lol

Thanks for the suggestions!

~Singin4cnu