First Foods (Day 1-7)
Newly free-swimming fry need microscopic food. Baby brine shrimp (BBS), infusoria, and powdered fry food work.
Feed 4-6 times per day, small amounts. Uneaten food fouls water fast.
Fry Tank Setup
20-40L tank with sponge filter (no intake risk), heater, and dark background. Add almond leaves for water conditioning.
Daily 20% water change with aged, temperature-matched water. Never use a siphon that can suck up fry.
Growing Out (Week 2-8)
Switch to crushed flakes and finely chopped bloodworm by week 3. Microworms and moina are excellent alternatives.
Split into grow-out tanks at 2cm size. Crowded fry grow stunted and fight.
Common Losses
First-week deaths often from swim bladder failure or failure to feed. Survivors at day 7 usually make it.
Ich and columnaris spread fast in fry. Maintain 28-29°C to speed development and reduce disease window.