Not saltwater fish, but...finally got eggs!!

3D Reefin' · Jul 23, 2020

Ruskin said:
They're darkening up and looking good.

I'm deep into planning a small shell dweller tank now thanks to you Started getting quotes on glass and acrylic today.

Nice! What size are you planning?

Ruskin · Jul 24, 2020

3D Reefin' said:
Nice! What size are you planning?

Nothing too big, its about 31g 30x20x12. I just posted a build thread on it.

3D Reefin' · Jul 31, 2020

Another update pic. I know the glass is starting to get algae, but I don't want to disturb the egg tumbler.

DeniseAndy · Jul 31, 2020

Great pictures of progression. Love it!

3D Reefin' · Jul 31, 2020

DeniseAndy said:
Great pictures of progression. Love it!

Thank you. Can't wait to watch them grow, they are slow growers, I have some that are 5 years old and still growing.

Ruskin · Jul 31, 2020

Yea, they're looking great. Do you need to setup a new tank for them or can they go back in with mom and dad when they get bigger?

Peace River · Jul 31, 2020

Good job on creating the space for the Frontosa to breed and thank you for sharing the Egg development pictures! How many fish are in the breeding harem and what is the sex ratio?

3D Reefin' · Jul 31, 2020

Ruskin said:
Yea, they're looking great. Do you need to setup a new tank for them or can they go back in with mom and dad when they get bigger?

After they reach 3+ inches, they can go back in with the big fish, some people put them back in when they are 1.5-2", but I feel like that is risky, even though Fronstosa are slow and somewhat clumsy when they get big. I keep tabs on the offspring to avoid inbreeding.

3D Reefin' · Jul 31, 2020

Peace River said:
Good job on creating the space for the Frontosa to breed and thank you for sharing the Egg development pictures! How many fish are in the breeding harem and what is the sex ratio?

2 males and 3 females. One male is slightly bigger and is the dominant male, the smaller male keeps the dominant male from being lazy by trying to mate with the females.

IKD · Jul 31, 2020

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing!!

3D Reefin' · Aug 4, 2020

More update pics. They are getting ready to be moved to a 20 Long grow out.

There is a little guy that is developing slowly (middle left), I hope he makes it, if he does make it I may separate him and keep him by himself till he catches up.

cd459 · Aug 4, 2020

I love tang cichlids, it’s a shame their popularity is limited. In many ways they remind me of marine species. My favorites are Xenotilpia and Cyathopharynx. Fronts are obviously beautiful as well.

Are yours cb or wc?

JaviNap90 · Aug 4, 2020

The main reason i left the fresh water hobby is because i lost my Frontosa colony to a broken aquarium. I was without a tank for like three days and my air pumps failed on me a lost 6 of my biggest. My favorite Fresh Water fish by far. I was devastated and reason why i got into Salt.

3D Reefin' · Aug 4, 2020

JaviNap90 said:
The main reason i left the fresh water hobby is because i lost my Frontosa colony to a broken aquarium. I was without a tank for like three days and my air pumps failed on me a lost 6 of my biggest. My favorite Fresh Water fish by far. I was devastated and reason why i got into Salt.

Sorry to hear that, one of my biggest fears. I keep extra pumps, powerheads, tubs and filters for that reason. Definitely my favorite freshwater fish too.

3D Reefin' · Aug 4, 2020

cd459 said:
I love tang cichlids, it’s a shame their popularity is limited. In many ways they remind me of marine species. My favorites are Xenotilpia and Cyathopharynx. Fronts are obviously beautiful as well.

Are yours cb or wc?

This group is F1, the fry are F2. I have a group of wild caught, but I prefer captive bred.

I know a lot of people go crazy about their wild frontosa and their lake spots, but I have had F1 fish develop the spots too, not sure how, but I am not a fan of the spots.

Ruskin · Aug 4, 2020

3D Reefin' said:
More update pics. They are getting ready to be moved to a 20 Long grow out.

There is a little guy that is developing slowly (middle left), I hope he makes it, if he does make it I may separate him and keep him by himself till he catches up.

They've really darkened up. Good job with them.

bsr2430 · Aug 4, 2020

Holy crap man!!!!!
Awesome progress and awesome work! Props to you!

3D Reefin' · Aug 4, 2020

bsr2430 said:
Holy crap man!!!!!
Awesome progress and awesome work! Props to you!

Thank you. The first couple days were the hardest, I though I damaged the eggs while I was stripping them from the female. The tumbling speed was also a bit nerve wrecking.