shieldsman
12-21-2012, 01:35 PM
On 6/12 I received 5ea. of 3 varieties of 3-4" discus from Hans. They did well in their own 150 gal. tank. Two of the red scribblets paired off and spawned twice with each spawn failing to hatch after 2 days. I removed the pair and placed in their own 29g. I then gradually softened the water as I had read that eggs had a much beter chance in soft water. After 2 more spawns no luck. After 24hrs. 50 out of approx. 250 are white & 90% after 48hrs. at which time the parents eat. I know they are a pair as I have watched them spawn. Female laying followed by male. They seem like a great pair; constantly fanning & blowing on the eggs. I also keep water turbulance at a minimum during spawning. Temp. at 85 & Ph 7.0. Seems like they would all be white after 24hrs. if they weren't fertile. I have read that some breeders sterilize their fish. I hope this isn't the case with Hans. Anyone have experience breeding his fish? Any help with my hatching problem will be greatly appreciated! I have been keeping & breeding fish for 50 yrs. but this is my first experience with discus. Wish I had gotten them years ago as they are great! They are such friendly fish that I can actually lift them from the water in my hand. Not that I make it a practice but no net no fuss is unusual. Thank you, Dave