Gourami Babies

Question
Hi there Chris!

I have a 30 gal that has been running for a couple of months now. pH is 7, 0 nitrites, and we're working on making the water softer.

I had several pairs of Gouramis in the tank to begin with, but when I got my 200 gal running, all but 2 of the Gouramis were upgraded, and the 30 gal became the breeder tank.

The male had not been doing much work on a bubble nest and had been causing some problems with the female, so we moved him to the big tank.

A couple of nights ago we noticed about a hundred newly hatched babies. We removed the female and the 2 cories that were in there so no one would be eaten. We've crushed up some gold fish flakes for their food. But we have not yet gotten off work in time to make it to the store to look for specialty food.

Do you have any suggestions for feeding / raising / caring for these little guys?

Thank you so much for your help,
Chris Van Fleet

Answer
Hi Chris;

Wow! That's cool!

When you go to the fish store get some frozen baby brine shrimp for them. Live plants are very helpful too. The babies will feed on the tiny microorganisms on them, as well as providing security. There are also dried baby foods but just some regular flakes crumbled up works too. Goldfish food doesn't have the same nutritional value as tropical food so get some tropical flakes. Between the brine shrimp, plants and dry food they should grow and thrive well. Feed the babies several times a day, but very small amounts. Make 25% water changes at least once a week. Vacuum the gravel too because all that feeding will make a lot of waste.

And..... congratulations!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins