Previously, I would use 1 drop per gallon of MB the day the eggs were laid. Then I would do a 30% WC each day for the next 3 days. That technique would result in a a blob of eggs covered in fungus, but surprisingly, a decent hatch rate. Go figure. A big blob of goo, covered in fungus would remain, after the hatch-out.
For my latest spawn I decided to just try something new, since I have had 3 nice spawns, over the past 2 weeks. When the eggs were laid, I removed the adults. I then added 3 drops of MB per gallon. On day 2, I added 3 drops per gallon and the same on day 3. By day 5, as the eggs started hatching, not a bit of fungus had developed, every single egg hatched and all that was left on the glass was the tell-tale rings that an egg had once been there.
I then remove the sponge filter, which reveals that all of the gravel, except for where the filter sat, was dyed blue. I then take a seasoned sponge filter from another tank and thoroughly squeeze in into the tank until it is completely cloudy. Very cloudy as in, you can't see through to the other side. After a few hours the water has cleared, leaving a blanket of mulm on the bottom in which you can see the wrigglers, scurrying about. This technique has resulted in my most successful S. kronei spawn, to date. Close to 100 fry, based on the egg count.
I now have over 300 of these coming up and they are extremely healthy and growing faster than any previous fry, from this specie. I know many people shy away from using MB, but sometimes the oldest techniques can yield good results.
Just thought I would share that with you, in case anyone is having a problem with egg fungus with this specie. Cheers. - Frank
