Allie

I got the Half moon red dragon betta siblings with intentions of breeding. It's something I have wanted to do for a year now. I have read so much about it, my brain is spinning. I know that it takes many false starts to get them to actually spawn, so I want to start them sooner than later so I can have some babies hopefully ready to go in February or so.
Next week (Saturday) I am starting the two week conditioning period. Than I am trying to spawn my pair. The breeder tank is a 10g planted, going to be even more planted...by the time to breed comes. It's Zeus's home right now but IF there is fry he'll be going to another tank when it's time.
I am so nervous.
As Pam said I am falling in love with these two, so I hope nobody hurts each other too much. Heather lost two nice looking HM males in the breeding tank over the past while. Feisty females.
PS: any tips on which other plants to get

Martinismommy

Looks good Allie....I'll be excited to hear how it goes for you....I'll be right behind you!

Allie

Need some floaters and large leaved plants.

rifter098

swords are good for bubble nests (when sticking out of the water) wisteria and water sprite are good floaters, anacharis is also a good floater, hornwort/foxtail/cambomba can be messy as they shed, but look great when healthy

Pandora

You might find it a bit harder to keep clean with a sand bottom instead of bare... and microworms will probably get lost in it. If you can get vinegar eels they might work better as a first food in a spawn tank with a substrate. I have a culture, but it's back home in Winnipeg or I'd offer to send you some, though if you really can't find them let me know and I can get my parents to help (unless they've tossed them now that I"m not around lol) Other than that looking good! Should have lots of places for the pair to get away from one another if the romance doesn't ignite right away, lol. Good luck with them, you should get some lovely babies!

Allie

Thanks.
I have my Betta shopping list for when I go shopping on Friday. I am getting some frozen bloodworm for conditioning and considering on making my own micro worm/ vineger eel culture. I have a betta book here which tells me how.

I was wondering about the bare bottom factor...I have another tank with nice tannins in the water. I could pot the plants, and move the decor to that 10g. In fact I will change up eveything tomorrow. I want it all settled for Saturday when the conditioning begins.

Martinismommy

I agree with the bare bottom tank.....My new 35 gallon divided tank is bare bottom....I used horntwort floating plants.....It's not the pretty little show tank like my other smaller ones but much more functional....It is far easier to keep clean and no worries about tail damage.....

I'm going to use a clear 5 gallon storage bin for my spawning area....I have everything I need except for the jars.....Does anyone know where to get clear plastic squares for Betta fry?

Allie

Yeah I took the sand out last night...ruined Zeus bubble nest he started. He got another one going already.
I also realized that the plants I had in there need light. A breeder tank doesn't need a light. So I put all the silk plants and some real floaters. Oh a few ugly decorations for hiding spots.
I am glad I made this post, I can correct mistakes.

Allie

Where the tank is now...is the darkest corner of the fish room, no lights and lots of fake plants and decor for hiding.

Attached Images

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Martinismommy

I plan on putting my spawning tank in the closet...I feel this will be the best place possible free from drafts and nice and romantic lol....I'll keep the closet door open of course..

Now where can I find some nice containers for the grow out stage? I have been searching the internet and keep coming up empty handed....I was going to use jars but I like the idea of lightweight plastic....

Allie

A closet would be great for that, except my cats love our closets and get into them all the time.
I have been looking myself, but I figure they aren't needed for a few months so I am going to take my time figuring out what to use.
I wonder if a dollar store has some decent sized plastic jars or containers.
Picture coming up to the cashier with like 50+ containers. People are gonna look at me like I am nuts.

Annadvn

Ive been getting my betta breeding tanks ready. I should be able to put them together next week if everything goes well.

I read that you need a light on 24hours a day so the dad can find the eggs and keep them in the nest after the have mated?

Should have some pics up of my set up by next week.

Anna

Pandora do you need lights?

Martinismommy

You ARE nuts Allie! lololololololol

Allie

I am not alone. Hey there lady in the shoe.

Allie

I am going by a book I have written by a member of the IBC following his advice. Fish can see in the dark.

Pandora

I like to use big food storage containers (the cheap ziplock/gladware type). They hold around 1/2 gallon which for me is ideal for growing juvies, since they're big enough to give small bettas a bit of space, and the water doesn't get as dirty as quick as in a quart jar, but I can still carry a pile of 3 to the sink at once, so saves time running back and forth when doing water changes lol. They're pretty much indestructible, light, stackable, food safe (therefore fish safe!), and you can throw them in a hot cycle in the dishwasher (obviously without soap) between spawns to sterilize them. You might be able to find some even cheaper ones at the dollar store that are similar... As well, a lot of breeders order beanie baby cases online, that might be a good option as well, since you can get a lot for cheap.
I actually did have someone ask me about it once... had about 5 packages of the gladware containers, and was asked if I was doing a lot of baking lol. Can't remember what I said...

Anndavin, I like lights because I like to spy on my fish and see what's going on! They don't need them lol

Allie

Beanie baby cases good idea, or anything 1/2g size. Oh I can't wait to go fish supply shopping on Friday. I must go check AB again for supplies.............