convicts ciclid babies; cleaning the tank

Question
I have a 30 gal. tank and i got some convict cichlids i have 3 pairs. one pair in the flower pot on the left hand side laid eggs and have about 15 young. On the right side another pair have laid eggs in the back corner under a rock slate. My question to you is how offen should you clean the tank? How can i clean the tank with the babies? If i start on the right hand side the fish will swim towards the babies and i could lose them from the left pair of convicts and if i clena on the left hand side the convicts might get stress and either eat they're young or rip at the other fish. Please help!!!!

Patty

Answer
Hi Patty;

All tanks really need a 25% water change once a week. Just do your best to avoid disturbing the parents and siphon water from the middle of the tank. You may not be able to vacuum much of the gravel but it would be a good idea to try. Just move very slowly.

You could also put an aquarium divider down the middle of the tank so the adults can't get to each other's nests. That way you can gently vacuum at least part of each side.

Always use water conditioner when you put the new water in and be sure the new water is the same temperature as the old.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins