THE ANGELFISH LOCUS

Young Koi With Black Dorsal

Owned and Bred By Gil Repetto

Copy Right The World Angelfish Forum

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Results— In our hatchery environment, Alder cones significantly inhibit and delay the onset of fungus on eggs.

Fungus onset in one tank of poorly fertilized eggs was significantly delayed and the other tank we had a 99% hatch rate where the previous hatch in the same tank the eggs ALL fungused.

I know there are many factors which influence eggs becoming fungused, but the contrast in this tank could not be more stark.

In the other tanks, after 48 hours 3 to 10 white eggs had no visible evidence of fungus growing on them.

Unfortunately, a few hours later the whole batch had turned white, the two fish had only been paired for 12 hours and the Gold male just wasn’t interested – but still very little fungus showed on the white eggs until the start of day 4.

There are several downsides to using Alder cones but which are easily overcome.

 

      1. Tannin from the cones turns your tanks to brown water within 12 hours, Fig 1. It did not affect Ph or TDS and the fish showed no discomfort at all.

After two water changes the tannins were washed out of the cones and the water only showed a hint of color Fig2.

2.  The Alder cones need to be contained in a nylon ankle stocking. Loose cones on the bottom of the tank are a nuisance when they become stuck in a cleaning wand when the bottom of the tank is Vacuumed.

We will continue to use them in our breeding tanks. Even inhibiting fungus for a day can make the difference to a healthy spawn or not.

ALDER CONES FIELD TEST.

There is no doubt in my mind that Alder cones, in our water conditions significantly inhibit the growth of fungus on Angelfish eggs.  All the eggs I observed were given the chance to hatch before the onset of fungus.  This has not always previously been the case, and they are way cheaper than RO water systems and other chemicals.

The theory is that chemicals released by the alder cones inhibit (not eliminate) the mechanisms by which eggs fungus.

Look on the catfish forums and many breeders there swear by its positive effects as do many European breeders.

Well we purchased a bag of 100 alder cones for about $8.00 and tried it in 4 breeding tanks and 1 75g grow out tank. The cones are very much smaller than we imagined and are approx ½” long.

Fig 1  Dark water after 12 hours

Fig 2. Almost clear 3 days later after 2 water changes

IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF HOB FILTERS TWOFOLD

The efficiency of these filters can be improved dramatically with one simple modification, will reduce the debris that accumulates on the bottom of your tanks by half and therefore less vacuuming time.

It involves extending the suction tube to and at least halfway along the bottom of the tank. Water exchange is from a greater body of the tank and promotes flow in dead areas.

· Remove the strainer on the bottom of the suction tube.

· Slide a length of food grade plastic tubing that fits firmly over the suction down tube. The extension needs to reach to the bottom and part way along the tank.

· Fit the suction strainer into the end of the plastic tubing.

Use tank furniture to hold the plastic tube down.

The only downside is a reduction in flow through the filter due to the length of the suction hose. This disadvantage is outweighed by the much reduce debris on the bottom of the tank. A current seems to set up on the bottom of the tank that draws debris to the suction inlet.

Make sure the extension tube is big enough to slide over the outside of the down pipe and NOT inside it, you will get a much reduced flow through the filter if you don’t.

Pete Bottle

Black ext. suction tube 55g

White HOB extension suction tube