Best way to grow out bristlenose fry

[Taratron]

So I currently have a 20 gallon filled with bristlenose fry at about one inch each. At least 30 or more, so you can imagine how many water changes I have to do to keep the bad stuff at bay.

I want to set up a grow-out tank for these fry, as well as the two clutches/drops I have in two other tanks.

Since I can't set up a trough or anything large, what will be the best and cheapest way to grow the babies out to at least 2 inches to where pet stores will take them? I do have a 55 gallon tank with some L201s that can be moved to the 20 gallon for now if that would work.

[MatsP]

First I'd like to question the 2" that shops will take - I find that my LFS takes them at about 1" - sure, the bigger ones get a bit more money, but it's not really worth the extra effort of growing them out.

But yes, a bigger tank will certainly help - you still need to do frequent water changes, but you have a bit more margin for error.

--
Mats

[PeterUK]

At least 30 or more, so you can imagine how many water changes I have to do to keep the bad stuff at bay.

I have approx 200-300 BN fry from 1/2 in to 1 1/2in in a 15 gallon (two lots in 2 tanks, probably totalling 400-500 fry),
I do a 75% water change every other day (sometimes every 3rd day depending on work) This is the 3rd such amount of fry that I have raised in these tanks without any problems.
I keep them in a bare tank with a piece of bogwood and a few terracotta saucers/pots, filtration is by a 380Lph sponge filter.

[andywoolloo]

I had my whole colony in a 40 gal. 5 adults and approximately 50 or 75 or more babies at all times.

I changed 50% every other day or 3rd day.

My LFS took them at all sizes but of course wanted them bigger and I could never part with them before 1.5 inches, just didn't feel they were ready for the harshness of fish store till then. sometimes i kept them even longer.

I had to stop doing it I got too attached. and it was mighty hard work. since i had other tanks to care for.