[TailorO]

My red Zebra is holding. First time for her, first time for me. So i have a 10 gallon ready. I pulled a HOB filter off my main tank and put it on the ten. I also put a sponge over the intake so it won't suck any of them up. I built a rock home with lava rock for her to spit into...am i forgeting anything? I baught fry food...how long should i wait to net her and put her in the 10? if i do it too soon will she spit early? I just noticed she was holding on friday. Today is monday....any advice would be appreciated

 

[lovemycichlids805]

They say you should leave her in the big tank until about 2 weeks of holding and then move her into the 10g. Cichlid's usually hold anywhere from 21-28 days depending on the species etc. I would move her in about a week, maybe a little longer. Also, usually first time moms will sometimes not carry to full term, or they will eat their eggs. Look in her mouth if you can, usually if there are orange eggs those are the fertilized ones, white are usually unfertilized. Giver her a little bit of time. She probably won't eat (most don't while holding). And she may also hang out in a corner (or certain spot) somewhere in the tank. Congratulations is in order! Good Luck. Any other questions just ask. I had a female lab holding not that long ago, and now I have a cobalt blue zebra holding. It's a blast. Have fun!

 

[TailorO]

i can't tell what colour the eggs are. I guess i'll wait a few weeks and hope...

 

[TailorO]

she seems to have picked a spot in the rocks that she runs to. when i feed she runs up like she is hungry but then doesn't eat anything. kinda feel bad for her...

 

[DJRansome]

Put the filter back on the big tank, without a source of ammonia (the fish) the beneficial bacteria on the filter will die.

 

[lovemycichlids805]

Everything you are describing is normal. Congrats!