I got my holding F Yellow Lab into a separate tank tonight -- I think she's about 14 days into holding.

I have a carpet of low-lying plastic plants in there for the fry to hide under after she spits. Once I return her to the main tank I'll pull them out and have a fully bare tank.

I have heard different takes on whether to have a single rock in there for her sense of security. Is this a good idea or is it better to leave the tank bare-bottom?

Thanks, Derek!

PSO
everyone of my tanks has at least one rock in it!I try to copy what the fish would have in the wild.You want the Mom to be as confortable as possible and giving here a place to hide is only a good thing when you walk in the room Nanananaa I also have a little sand in those tanks as well.This makes the transition to the larger fry tanks easier and less stressfull on the fish


Hope this helps

Derek

Great! I asked one question and learned two important things! Love this new website!

After she spits, what is your technique for getting the mom out of the fry tank without her taking some fry back in her mouth to protect them? Do you pull out the rock(s) first?

Do you segregate her and feed her to re-strengthen her before putting her back in with the males?

Is your sand fine or course in the fry tanks?

Thanks, Derek!

Pso

I let the female stay in the tank with the colony until the fry are ready to come out free swimming(ussually 15 -25 days)The female goes right back into the tank after I strip her.I have to date never lost a fish this way.I personally think that removing the holding mother to a different tank and water put much more stress on the fish and fry then leaving her with the colony and putting her right back in.

As far as sand I use Pool filter sand in all my tanks which is cheap (15 bucks for a 50 pound bag)This sand is fine and the fish seem to like it to mouth

Derek