General African Cichlid Discussion • Acei Fry - help

[DJRansome]

HI, I just had two Acei females spawn. I have ~ 80 fry that I plan to raise until juveniles. Right now they are in a 10 gallon tank. They are about a week old now. Is this going to be sufficient to raise them in until I sell them to aquarium store/online? At what size is acceptable to ship if needed? I am certain my local aquarium store will not take a ton of them as they keep a fairly limit stock. So far very healthy and growing quick.

[DJRansome]

For 80 acei I would want a bunch of 55G tanks. Why are you saving all of them? I don't like to buy juveniles that are smaller than 2 inches including the tail.

[ddishon1]

what else can be done with them? just throw them out?

[DJRansome]

Since mbuna are so prolific we usually let the mothers spit the fry in the tank.

Another good use for extra fry is to take them to a club auction and sell them or donate them. But maybe keep 20 instead of 80 unless you already have more than one spare 55G tank.

[ddishon1]

Thanks, maybe I should just put many of them back in the community tank and let them be food. My wife wanted to save them, but circle of life. lol Maybe I will let her keep a few to grow out.

[DJRansome]

Yes auctions are difficult now with COVID. How many extras do you need in your main tank?

[ddishon1]

I am at capacity in my main tank. 55 gallon stocked with 6 yellow tail Acei, 6 yellow labs, 2 catifish.

[DJRansome]

Yes that is overstocked because Acei are on the large size for a 55G.