Freshwater

Getting the Water Right
The water in your spawning tank must suit the species of fish you’re trying
to breed. Take a look at Chapters 12 through 14 for more info on getting the
water right.
pH and dH control
You must keep the pH and dH (degrees of hardness) level of your water
under control in a breeding situation. Changes in pH are very damaging to
your fish, and the ill effects double in intensity during the breeding ritual.
Eggs and young fry are especially susceptible to the smallest of fluctuations
in pH level. A good pH test kit will allow you to monitor your water (see
Chapter 12).
Water temperature
One important thing to keep an eye on, especially if you have egglayers (fish
that don’t bare live young, but lay eggs that hatch), is the temperature of the
water. Eggs can be severely damaged in temperatures above 85 degrees F.
You may end up with poached eggs. Higher temperatures also cause eggs to
develop too quickly, which can lead to weak, deformed, or weird-looking fry.
Research each species (Chapter 8, other hobbyists, your local dealer, the
Web) that you want to breed carefully before starting out so that you know
what their water requirements are.
Cleanliness
Chapter 19: The Breeding Room
Young fry and eggs are much more susceptible than adults to problems
resulting from too many nitrogen compounds (waste) in the water. Poor
water conditions can destroy eggs or damage the growth cycle of newborns.
Carefully change at least one quarter of the water each day in a spawning or
growout tank and make sure you have some type of filtration.
To avoid fouling the water in a breeding tank, feed the fish small amounts of
live foods instead of flake.
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