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Hypancistrus fry trap

Posted: 17 Jan 2020, 14:50
by har_eh
I'm looking for tips to catch Hypancistrus fry from a scaped tank without having to mess with the scape.
Any recommendations where to buy these fry traps or diy tips to make one?

What I tried is several brands of snail traps but they don't work.

Re: Hypancistrus fry trap

Posted: 17 Jan 2020, 19:24
by bekateen
I use a small (200ml or so) tupperware container with a few small cobble stones to sink it. I add some pleco food, cut a few 1" holes in the lid (entrances to the trap) and add it to the tank after lights out. I wait a while then check to see if babies have entered the trap. If they have, I lift the whole trap out, remove the fry, and replace the trap to do it again. It is wise to puncture many small holes (not large enough to allow fry to escape) in the sides of the trap and on the ends, about 3/4"-1" above the floor of the container, to allow water flow through the trap so that fish don't suffocate if they're in there too long.

You can also make this container using a plastic soda or water bottle as shown in the figure below.

Good luck,
Eric

Re: Hypancistrus fry trap

Posted: 17 Jan 2020, 20:02
by bekateen
P.S., Do not leave a trap like these unattended for more than an hour or two. If water flow is poor through the trap, fish can die for lack of oxygen. Also, while in trap, some fish will get into fights with other fish, which can lead to injury or harm.

Re: Hypancistrus fry trap

Posted: 17 Jan 2020, 20:50
by Bas Pels
Wize words.

Nobody pointed them out to me, so I had to find out the hard way. And it was hard, I lost some 30 Netroplus nematopus in 1 bottle once (I had starved them a bit, and there was some food inside) after 4 hours

Re: Hypancistrus fry trap

Posted: 20 Jan 2020, 14:55
by har_eh
Cheers, going to give it a try!