Newbie with Wrigglers - should I remove the cage now?

[Sasha]

I am a first timer as of last night with wrigglers. I had used gutter guard at the suggestion of this forum to protect the eggs. The way the guard needed to be affixed (long story), it stands out about 1 1/4 inch from the spawning site.

Should I remove the guard now??? Or leave it until I have free swimmers?

How many days until free swimming? This forum gives timelines as short as 2 days up to 6 days?

Thank you!

[rdiscus]

Leave the guard there ...
They start on 3rd day ... maybe few hours sooner or later, depends on your temperature

[Sasha]

Leave the guard there ...
They start on 3rd day ... maybe few hours sooner or later, depends on your temperature

Ok - thanks for your quick response. So leave the guard in place during the full wriggler stage.

And they typically become free swimming approx. 6 days after spawn? They spawned on Friday at 2:30 pm. Became wigglers Sunday eve between 8-11 pm. So will start to free swim late on Weds or Thurs?

My temp is 85-86 degrees (should I turn it down?)

Again, thanks! :-)

[rdiscus]

If your temp is 85-86 degrees, they will be free swim on late 2nd day after wriggler... 4th day count from spawn

[Sasha]

If your temp is 85-86 degrees, they will be free swim on late 2nd day after wriggler... 4th day count from spawn

Wow -that's fast! Should I turn the temp down? Pros / cons?