How long with mum and dad?

[Nev]

I know a lot of breeders remove the parents as soon as the fry can eat on their own.
But I'm happy for mum and dad to stay due to tank limitations. I've only the two, community and breeding. And l can see lots of agro if they go back in the community tank.

So my question is how long can l keep them together?
The parents are very aggressive to me whenever l clean the tank (daily) or even feed them. The fry are now small discus of about 20c to 50c size.
The tank they're in is 6' x 18" x 18".

[Mr Wild]

As long as the kids are not stripping the slime coat off Mum and Dad there is no real time likitations and it sounds like your not too concerned about them laying again. As long as there is no agression and life is happy you should be fine for awhile. You say they are in a 6' x 18" x 18" are they the only fish in there?

[swampy1972]

I agree with Kath, and since they're in a large tank the adults should be able to get some time apart from the juvies. If you do see signs of the adults condition deteriorating or skin being effected then it's time to take them out.
Would like to see a full tank shot of their setup Nev :wink:

[Nev]

Yeah, figure if they're with the kids they won't want to lay.
Have only a couple of bn in with them as it's under a window so keeping algae under control and cleaning up at night.

[Nev]

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k608/Nevdenton/2011-12-06090414.jpg As requested a pic of setup.

[iro11a]

Preaty cool setup you got nev

[Merrilyn]

If you want to breed your pair again, you could always put in a tank divider to keep the babies separate from the parents. It would work well in a 6 foot tank.

[axl]

hey,
are those discus the same as you posted in the other section? Are you going to have any of these discus for sale as i would be interested in buying some.

[swampy1972]

If you want to breed your pair again, you could always put in a tank divider to keep the babies separate from the parents. It would work well in a 6 foot tank.

Good idea. I'd suggest using the stainless/aluminium mesh from security screens. It has a fine mesh so small fry can't get through yet allows good water flow, but it's also rigid so doesn't require a frame to support it. Simply cut it for a close fit and line the edges with silicone airline to stop it slipping on the glass and it stays there on it's own. I just picked up 4 pieces to do my 4ft shrimp tank.

[Nev]

hey,
are those discus the same as you posted in the other section? Are you going to have any of these discus for sale as i would be interested in buying some.

yes they are, l will be selling them. They aren't showing much colour yet. Just basic banding and a hint of brown, will be a few more weeks till anything else.

The're about 6 weeks min away from a minimum selling size.

Horshams a fair way from geelomg, l could meet you somewhere inbetween when the time comes if your still interested.

[axl]

hey,
yeah sounds good could you please post some pics of the parents and what are they again?

Cheers Axl

[Nev]

Will do, but It'll be with my crappy phone camera. So apologies in advance for the quality.
As far as type, I'm hopeless at id'ing discus, but wild cross
x leopard?
Happy to be corrected.

[Nev]

Pics mum
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k608/Nevdenton/mum.jpg
dad
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k608/Nevdenton/dad.jpg

[swampy1972]

Lovely fish Nev.. I'd certainly grab a group of juvies off you if you were a NSW member.
That male is particulary nice. :wink:

[Nev]

Yep he's my favorite.

[Nev]

Quick update and some pics.
Mum and Dad are in the community tank now.
Currently have 3 pairs with eggs in that tank, and one pair getting beaten up by the others.

So the babies now:
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k608/Nevdenton/2011-12-18083727.jpg

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k608/Nevdenton/2011-12-18083832.jpg

[Nev]

And a nice pic of my bike in the reflection!