Fishkeeping is a fun yet expensive hobby. Aquarium enthusiasts worldwide may have considered pairing some of their fish to see whether they’ll produce small healthy fry. In turn, some keep them and enjoy a sustainable way of expanding their aquarium collection. Others consider the lucrative side of fish breeding and supply for pet stores and other fish parents.
Now let’s say you plan to breed your precious tank swimmers and want to make a living out of them. Here are five beginner tips to help get you started in the world of fish breeding.
Choose Which Fish To Breed
Aquarium fish range from coldwater, freshwater, and tropical types. Select which fish type to breed, depending on where you live and the climate of your place. Doing so lets you choose suitable swimmers to reproduce. For example, if you live in a warmer region such as Tondo, Manila, Philippines, tropical fish might be the best choice for you to breed as they can live in temperate waters. Plus, it will also be more cost-effective for you as you won’t have to invest in tank coolers, should you choose cold-water swimmers.
For beginners, fish such as zebra danio, rosy barb, and cichlids are great options as they scatter their eggs in the water without doing any complex courtship rituals. Even if you have more male fishes than female fishes, you can be sure that your eggs will develop into small fry and healthy fish that you can keep or supply to fish parents living in Urban Deca Homes in Tondo.
Consider Expanding Your Tank
As your fish breeding hobby or business grows, you’ll want to expand your tank size or get new ones to accommodate your new fish or produce other types of fish. Choosing a larger tank and getting new ones don’t just avoid overpopulation, but it also separates territorial fish from one another. The last thing you’d want is to see your fish or small fry being eaten by bigger fish.
Regulate pH Value
The key to a healthy tank is the correct pH value. Your aquarium’s ideal pH level will depend on what fish you are breeding. In the case of most tropical fish, a pH level of 6.8 to 7.6 is advisable. Before placing your new fish in your tank, use pH testing kits that you can get in many pet stores to test your water’s pH level.
Although you might find that some fish breeds require lower pH grades, it’s best to research which of your desired pet fish needs a specific level.
Create The Right Breeding Environment
Building the optimal breeding environment for your fish may yield the best results for you. Before placing your pair into their love nest, your fish tank should include appropriate spawning items depending on their egg-laying method. You might also want to separate your males and females with a glass divider before mating. Your fish will see each other but have no access to each other, making their desire to mate stronger.
You’ll also have to feed your fish pair with high-protein food at least three times a day. Since they will be mating, your fish will need sufficient energy for their maintenance and growth. If your fish is well-fed, they’ll have the strength to provide a healthy amount of eggs and sperm.
As a beginner, breeding fishes might seem complicated and impossible. But by investing in the right tools and considering these four beginner tips, you’ll produce healthy baby fish that you can keep to widen your aquarium kingdom or supply to other aquarium hobbyists.
SOURCES: https://www.thesprucepets.com/breeding-aquarium-fish-basics-4062067 https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-for-profit https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/fishkeeping-news/six-valued-fish-to-breed-/
