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In a lfs, parosphromenus are often kept at a neutral pH or even higher. So I used to set up tanks and introduce my first paro’s at a pH of 7. Regular water changes offer the possibility to reduce de pH cautiously over the following weeks and months.
Though, two couples (P. spec. aff. linkei Pankalanbun and P. alfredi Sedili) that I’ve received from a French Project-member in July refuse to wait optimal water conditions. Their tanks had been prepared with water from a well-cycled community tank with neutral pH as well :blush:
Only two weeks after their arrival, Mr. P. linkei isolated himself in a cave. Since that time, he has only shown up to take some oxygen at the water surface. His solitary life still continues, and has only been interupted by some rare visits of the female. That’s how she looked like when leaving the cave some weeks ago:
The following picture shows mr. P. alfredi. Last week, he was constantly trying to seduce the female. Nowadays, he has withdrawn into his cave as well.
The pH of the tank with the linkei is about 6,3 and the tank of the alfredi has a pH of 6,6. The conductivity: 77 and 83 µS/cm
As soon as I remarked the linkei breeding behaviour, I’ve started adding infusoria. Nevertheless, I continued lowering their pH during all month of August. Nowadays, their water conditions seem acceptable. I prefer keeping their water stable when doing water changes. Small fry can already be swimming around or hiding in the tank with the linkei.
But what about P. alfredi?
Should I act the same way, and ignore their breeding efforts untill the water quality of their tank reaches a better breeding level? Or should I offer them stability for the present?I would appreciate to hear your points of view or advices on this matter.
Best regards.
S.My question remained unanswered.
So, I decided myself not to bother any longer about optimal water values, and tried to maintain the water values as stable as possible.
It seems to have been the best decision. I finally spotted juveniles in both tanks (linkei and alfredi) Hurrah 🙂
The pictures above show some P. linkei juveniles.
Hi Steff.
Congratulation with the fry, thats a good accomplishment.
I think particular with p.linkei the lower ph can be of a little less importance, – it does not have to be so low, and also with other species have I noticed, the ph of 6 or 6.5 as you have is fine for them. They will breed also in these conditions.
Some species, such as parvulus, do better with lower ph.
And for the long term well being, perhaps it has importance.Thanks Helene and Chris!
I’m delighted with this new generation. They already measure about 10mm. Nowadays, both males alfredi and linkei don’t stay in their caves any longer.
Fortunately, because I’m preparing to move into another house next weekend. I’m quite worried about how to move my tanks by car over a distance of 20 km. Does anyone have experience with it?
I plan to take away 10 liter of each tank and put the same water back a soon as the transport is accomplished.It’s a challenge, especially with these juveniles. Though, finally their tanks will be ranged definitly into a real rack that I’ve set up today.
How big are the tanks ?
I would really not recommend that you move any fish inside a tank with water.
Its very very difficult, – the water gets in so much movement that it will splash out of the tank even theres very little in it.When I moved 3 years ago and also had a lot of small tanks and small fish and even small fry, I caught all fish that I could catch, – but I do remember I did transport a few tanks with water, – I cannot remember if this was because of not wanting to take things out or if it was because I was unsure if there was any tiny tiny fry. And I also cannot remember if it went all right, I think it did though 🙂 – but I would really recommend that you catch all visible fry 🙂
But what I did was to empty the tanks down to maybe 5-10 cm water left and then put something in the tank that prevented too much movement of the water, like many plants or leaves (as a kind of lid)- but NOT anything that can rush around and break glasses. In fact all that needs to go out, because it will move once you drive and break. If you drive with it open when you arrive there will probably not be water left in this tank otherwise.
And then of course go slow – real slow.But in fact people are often really worried about catching parosphroemenus and especially fry, but my experience is that 1. it can be done and 2. it mostly goes well, – they are not that fragile.
You just need to be a bit structured 🙂 ..
I started by setting up some tanks in my new flat so they were ready, – then I took out all decoration in the old tanks, let the dust settle, catch the fish and transport them directly down to the new tanks. Or with paros – if you dont have this option, – they can really stay in a smaller container for a day, that will be fine.
The thing is to empty the tank in good time, – because theres often so much debrie, leaves and ‘dust’ that it takes time for the tank to become visible so you can actually see whats in there. But taking all out little by little, leave it to settle, catch a fish (then it all may become dusty again, then leave to settle again, catch another fish)
I often do this – also now, when for instance I have to seperate young from a tank, – its often impossible without stripping the whole tank. And I do that, and the paros have to endure some hours in bare tanks, which of course they dont like, – but I can assure you two minutes after they have got their ‘furniture’ back in the tank, they look happy again.Theres also the option of ‘sucking out’ some water with a big hose (thats more if there are ‘invisbile’ fry there) or just pouring water from the tank into a transportable container. If theres very very small fry, this could be a way to get these along.
Anyway these are my experiences, maybe others have some good tricks 🙂
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