fry and plant debris

[cootwarm]

I have 3 families of borellii fry in a 30 gallon tank that has a large piece of driftwood and many plants. Since the fry started hatching out, about 12 days ago, I haven't vacuumed that tank so I don't trap any fry. I have some foxtail that has shed a lot of it's older growth in these past 12 days, leaving a few piles of plant debris.

Is this plant debris a health risk to the fry? Or is it just natural litter? I don't just vacuum it, because it's where most of the fry like to hang out. Perhaps they're eating infusoria? Maybe it's benefical to some extent?

I have made a couple water changes of about a third during this time, so the tank is otherwise very clean. Crystal clear water with a slight tan tint due to oak leaves and driftwood. All occupants are healthy and active.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[farm41]

Just change water, don't worry about the debris right now. When the fry get bigger and move out just pluck the debris out.

 

[aspen]

michael, a mistake i made when i had cacatuoides fry in a planted tank was to vacuum out the plant debris or mulm from the corners and from under the plants. this is a natural food source for the tiniest fry and provides cover. it is also almost impossible to sort the fry from the debris in the bucket. as matt suggests, wait a week or so till the fry move in a nice cloud and you can get their food to them more easily and the fry are bigger.

give them some bbs when they are 5 days free swimming and have lost their egg sack.

rick