Clown babies (frost-bars)

[dizzyjay]

My clown pair (misbar and frostbite) have been knocking boots on the regular and have had 4 (uncaptured) clutches. I’m ahead of this latest batch- it’s day 1. I have never attempted to raise them but would like to try- I don’t have any rotifers going yet but know they’re essential. T-minus 7 days... is it realistic to get everything situated for them in time? Any info/help from breeding experts is appreciated. I have most the gear here but need to glean from some practical experience. Also anyone keeping rotifers? Pm or reply to the thread. Any bounty from a successful breeding will be shared with the aquarist(s) that help.

[jasonp87]

I looked into this several years ago and have probably forgot most of it, but you need a pretty healthy culture of both rotifers and the algae they eat. With 7 days left I don't know that it's possible. In order to raise this bunch you would probably need to keep purchasing an ongoing fresh supply of rotifers to feed them. I bet that won't be cheap. I would say get the rotifers and algae stable first, then focus on collecting the eggs. The more batches the clowns have the more viable they will likely be also.

[[G]h0s'][']

Congrats on the clutch. I have L type rotifer culture going at the moment if u need any, DJ.

[dizzyjay]

Appreciate the info!! I’ll definitely take some rotifers (and some pointers on how to culture). From what I’ve read it’s basically a constant roto-feast for the first week. I’m ok with letting this clutch be a strategizing run if it’s not realistic but have committed to my wife to try.

[dizzyjay]

Day1 - big thanks to ghost (sp), inurmind & crustaceon for sharing their expertise & gear. (fingers crossed)

[[G]h0s'][']

Congrats, DJ! Exciting times 😃

[cboltsd]

Thats awesome!

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[dizzyjay]

Thanks guys!
@clint... I bet you’d recognize the tank stand they’re on (hint: 2x6 legs and the size of a frag tank)

[gjunon]

Awesome guys hopefully you're successful!

[Philip271]

oooo. keep us updated! I hear it's really tough and a hassle to raise them. My DaVinci clowns have laid so many batches of eggs but I've never bothered to try raising them... maybe one day.

[cboltsd]

Thanks guys!
@clint... I bet you’d recognize the tank stand they’re on (hint: 2x6 legs and the size of a frag tank)

Haha I do remember that stand!

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[dizzyjay]

Day4: I’m hooked.... everything is running smooth. The quantity of fry remaining is around the same number as day 1 with one known casualty. The fry are larger than day one and resemble tiny shrimp. They are more cognizant & have more control over movement, obviously hunting rotifers. Introducing TDO into the diet. Next milestone will be metamorphosis (expecting it to be day 9) so far so good. Really curious to see how many are in there.

Using reedmariculture (aka reefnutrition) products & process.
Helpful site (references reef nutrition TDO)
https://www.ocellarisclownfish.com/raising-clownfish/

Process notes:
1. Lighting- 24hr a day. iPhone flashlight (24” above) appears to be the right amount. (Off when ambient light fits bill) enough light to keep them hunting but not too much- too bright keeps them fixated towards the light and they stop eating. Intend to switch to ambient lighting after day 5.
2. Daily siphon just the bottom of the tank delicately (x-sm siphon tube). check waste water for rogues- cup them to put back. Use rotifer rich waste water in DT. Corals love it! Drip replace saltwater 3drops per second. Try to siphon out less than 10%
3. Keep the fry tank green using same density logic as rotifer culture but using omega green. It is a higher concentration than rgcomplete so add .5ml at a time mixed with tank water. Important: mix the phyto with small amount of tank water before adding. (2x daily has been the sweet spot for consistency)
4. Monitor rotifer density and add more as needed. Even if rotifers density is fine add 2x daily at minimum to keep things fresh (3qt rotifer water sieved). Rotifers appear to be multiplying in the fry tank, they are loving that green water.

[[G]h0s'][']

The excitement is palpable. Pics! 😀

[inurmind]

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[dizzyjay]