Zebra Pleco Spawns.

[mistern2005]

Relatively new to this forum. I've been doing a lot of reading on the forums and resources and this seems like a good hub.

Here's my story. I got into zebra plecos about 5 years ago. I researched them for a while before I purchased 8 juveniles over a period of time, and lost 1. I've had 7 (4M/3F) for about 4 years now and they spawned for the first time in December 2010, a second time in January 2011, and the breeding male is currently trapping a female as we speak. Of the two spawns I've had, there have been 5 and 4 viable fry respectively.

Here are my answers to the common questions...
34 gallon "corner hex" tank (breeding colony).
1. Water parameters
a) Temerature range - set to 87*F, using a Hydor ETH and Ranco Temperature Controller
b) pH. 7.2
c) GH. varies from TDS of 100 to 300, best kept at/around 150.
d) KH 2-3
e)Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, levels. - NH3=0, Nitrite=0, Nitrate=<20ppm
f) Water change frequency - varies from 1/month to 1/day. 100% RO water, reconstituted as appropriate

2. Tank set up
a) Size. - 34 gallons
b) Substrate. - 1/2" thick mix of ADA Aquasoil and EcoComplete
c) Filtration. - Eheim 2078, Eheim 2234 with Corlife 18W TurboTwist UV Sterilizer, Eheim Aquaball
d) Furnishings. - Slate caves, clay caves, slate rocks, manzanita, some plants
e) Other tank mates. - rummynose tetras, green neon tetras, amano shrimp
f) How long has it been set-up? - 5 months in current location, but the tank has been moved 3 times in 4 years
g) When was the last new fish added? - 10 months ago
h) Foods used and frequency? - live foods, frozen foods, dry foods - you name it.

Here is a picture of my setup, the gravel and plants have changed, but the idea is the same:


Here are pictures from the first spawn - when I put the fry in a breeder trap at 2 weeks of age:




Here is the most recent picture of the fry, comingles from both spawns taken about 2 weeks ago:




I hope everyone enjoys! If I can be of any help or a resource around here, please don't hesitate to ask.

[vanillarum]

Very nice pics and cool little fry. I only hope I live long enough to see mine spawn !! Good luck.

[Zulan]

Really neat furnishing,

How big is your adult Zebras now?

Thanks for sharing

[mistern2005]

I waited about 4 years for mine to spawn...it was a huge exercise in patience. One evening I saw some commotion at one of the caves, but didn't think much of it. The next morning I checked the caves and the breeding male (who isn't the largest male), was holding eggs. The following month, almost to the day, they spawned again. The latest trapping, happening as we speak, was -- yet again -- nearly one month to the day from the last spawn.

I tired to get them to spawn with water changes, dry/rainy season cycle, etc. They just went on their own time!

All the adults in my colony are full grown. I'd guess they are about 4.5 years of age now.

[Taratron]

Great to see you here, mistern! (I'm Misahastheeyes on AAPE.)

Do you think the dither fish help somehow with the spawning, or are they in the tank for another reason?

[Linus_Cello]

I love the tank. I'm planning on trying some zebra plecos (bulldogs as they are cheaper) just to see if I can keep them successfully. I'm more interested in having a community tank with zebras, rather than a tank for just breeding them, so I'm interested in the plants and dither fish you have in your tank. Any other fish other than what you listed? What are the plants? Did you have any problems with your plecos eating the plants? Did you silicon the slate together?

[andywoolloo]

it's beautiful! good job!

brilliant little babies!!

[Mason360]

Any chance you will have some for sale anytime soon?

[A.Prieto]

I've just wondered the text. Thank you for shering. I'd like to know how to feed them. Do you simply spread the food ou put it close to them? What time do you feed them? During the day or the night?