My first Albino bushynose spawn

[emsquared19]

Hey everyone, I'm new here, so hi!
I have a breeding pair of albinos set-up in a 20 gallon long tank with two bent pvc pipes and 3 pieces of bogwood and a thin layer of pool fiter sand for substrate. I have two hydro sponge 3's hooked up to a strong air pump. I had my first spawn and they all hatched fine. There were probably 30 little guys...but they all started to die within a few days. It's been almost 2 weeks now and there are only 5 aive. They seem to be doing fine now, but I can't figure out why they were dieing. I fed zuchinni mostly and did 3 times a week 50% water changes. My ph is a little high at 7.8, but from what I've read, that should be fine as long as it stays consistent. My temp is around 78-80f. Any ideas on why they were dieing? Any pointers for future spawns? Thanks for your time!
Marc

[MatsP]

I can't really see anything wrong in what you say you've done. I can say for sure that pH isn't a problem, as mine breed in similar hard tapwater here in Farnborough.

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Mats

[emsquared19]

Ok, well, thanks for looking! I am using prime to condition the water...then letting it sit for awhile, and then adding to the tank. I have been adding colder water and maybe it is shocking their systems? Maybe I should try to keep it close to the same temp...I've heard that warm water from the tap always includes more metals and such. Anyway, the 5 that are still around are doing good and growing...so maybe it will be smooth spawning from here on out! Thanks!

Marc

[MatsP]

Obviously depends on how much cooler, but a couple of degrees C (up to about 5'F) should definitely not cause a problem.

If you have very soft tap-water, or your water heaters is REALLY old, it could be a problem, but these fish aren't particularly sensitive in this respect. You could also use a kettle or pot on the cooker to warm some water, and mix to the right temperature that way. Or heat it using an aquarium heater.

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Mats

[emsquared19]

It was a little more then 5f less...so maybe that was the problem. I was trying tthe aquarium heater to heat up the new water, but it was taking forever...I guess I'll just have to prepare the water awhile before the actual water change, thanks again!

Marc

[nonamesleft47]

I doubt it was a water quality/temperature issue. Did a number of them die at the same time or did they fade away a few each day? Were they eating? I've noticed no deaths of fry due to water temp/PH. Once the fry are a couple of weeks old I divide them between tanks and have them in everything from 74 degree killie fry tanks to 80 degree cichlid fry tanks (with PH range to match).

With albinos and especially long fins I've had trouble with some fry from a spawn being "dumb" and not finding the food, especially in a larger tank. I've had the best luck by moving the male right before the eggs hatch to a smaller tank (10 gallon) then removing the fry from the cave after they are freeswimming. I feed in a couple of spots in the small tank to make sure they can always find food. You'll be able to easily tell between feeding fry and skinny not feeding fry. I feed mine canned green beans, algae tabs, zuccini, ect. and make sure there is food in the tank at all times as they eat constantly.

[emsquared19]

I was thinking they may have been missing the food as well. They all died gradually, not at the same time.