Free swimmers attaching to parents phase questions

[ilaizm]

I managed to get free swimmers but they were not recognizing the parents and were staying on the sponge filter. This occurred even after reducing the water level to the height of the parents. I then removed the sponge filter and the fry immediately moved onto the male discus. So now inside the tank I only have an air stone running.

My questions are:

1. How long can I stay like this without water changes and without inserting the sponge filter back?

2. When will it be safe to put the sponge filter back in and not risking the fry going back to it?

thanks

[Eddie]

1. How long can I stay like this without water changes and without inserting the sponge filter back?
You'll be fine leaving the sponge out. I usually wait 24 hours after attachment to perform water changes.

2. When will it be safe to put the sponge filter back in and not risking the fry going back to it?
You can put the filter back once you start the water changes.


All the best,

Eddie