Questions About Betta Breeding

I am going to try my hand at betta breeding just once to try it out. It might end up being a one time thing, or maybe I'll like it so much I'll have to get my own fish room some day (emphasis on the futuristic some day). ;D Anyway, I've been read quite a bit, here and elsewhere, but I still have a lot of questions.

1. How do you keep your bettas from getting constipated while conditioning them for the spawn? Is there a special method that is different from an ordinary basis, when not conditioning them?

2. Is a 30 gallon tank too big to use as a spawning tank? I wanted to use it as an all-in-one kind of thing for spawning and grow out, if that's possible. (?) Could I divide it and only use one side?

3. Can I use duckweed as a spawning medium instead of a styrofoam cup? How about in the grow out tank with the fry? I thought it would help with keeping ammonia/nitrites/nitrates down until it's safe to use a filter (I don't have a sponge filter). I don't plan on using it as an excuse to shirk on water changes.

4. Is it necessary for egg/fry development to have a nuetral pH? What about in the spawning tank? My water is 8.2 and I am afraid of shocking the fry whenever I switch to the higher pH water so I want to know if I can just use my local water for the whole process. If not, at what age would it be safe to start adjusting them to the higher pH?

Hmm, well, I'm sure I'll think of more questions later. Thanks in advance!

 

I have fry atm but during the conditioning of their parents none of mine got constipated. I think that not over feeding and making sure that they had a balanced diet was the key to success on that part.
I breed mine in a 20 gallon tank but it is only half filled with water so I do not think that it would hurt to use a 30 gallon tank but it is probably too small to use as a grow out tank, a 55 gallon is a good size for that.
I am not sure about the other questions but I am sure that someone with more experience will come along and elp you and and probably add more clarity to the two I could give advice on
Also just make sure you are up for it price wise and and time wise, they do take a lot of care once they are freeswimming and you will be caring for them full time for the next three months.

 

Thanks for the info! I know already that it will not be cheap and take a lot of time. I only plan on one spawn, and this will possibly be the only one for a long time if there are others. I still have a lot to do to get ready. I want to make sure that everything is in order before I start, and that includes Spring Cleaning and a bunch of other stuff that doesn't have to do with fish lol.

Another question: I plan on using live foods for the fry, but is there a good point in their development when I can go from live to frozen?

 

Here is a link you may find helpful if you haven't already seen it:
https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/step-by-step-guide-to-breeding-bettas.37434/

Best of luck and please keep us posted.
Ken

 

Thanks Ken! I have read that, several times, but maybe I missed something that answered some of the questions I've got. I'll read it again, and probably several more times in the future!

 

Good luck

 

Thanks!

 

Oh, how exciting!!! I wish I could breed bettas, but I don't have nearly enough tanks or room. Oh well, maybe someday in the future! Good luck, and definitely keep us posted!

 

Thanks! I will definitely keep everybody updated!

 

I really need to know the answer for question four. I can't seem to find it on the internet.

 

Hmm, sorry, IDK what that answer to that is. Hopefully someone like MM will come along and help you.

 

Sorry I couldn't get here sooner to answer you.....My water is 8.2 also and I use it in my spawn tanks as well as my grow out and adult tanks.......

I hope that answers your question....

 

Yes, it does! Thanks very much!!