Question #8: I need to know ahead of time everything I need to get before they arrive, like foods and any other additives that may need to be put in their water.
Rotifer Cultures - many, in case one crashes
BBS Cultures
Formalin (they tend to get bacterial issues as fry. You'll see them 'itching'. Use formalin at half dose)
Amquel or the equivalent, to keep ammonia levels in check between water changes.
Lots of water change water... ready to go!
greenwater cultures - greenwater is natures lil' filters and to keep them in a bath of greenwater also helps them "calm" as they are tossed about in a kreisel.
Question #9: Is there any danger for Snickett when he gives birth to the fry?
Absolutely not... but some (including me) will keep mom and dad separated for a while to give him a chance to fatten up and rest before carrying again. They WILL keep it up as long as you let them. Again, my boys "beg for egg" only hours after delivery!
Question #10: Do I put both Snickett & Flora in the same tank until the babies come?
Personally, I don't remove the adults at all. I remove fry after they are born. Sure, you may lose a couple babes in the process, but with the total numbers you will be presented with, no harm.
Moving the breeding pair during pregnancy can cause problems in that you may a) stress them or b) subject them to water quality swings - going from one system to the other.
Question #11: Things like water parameters and testing for all the right things.
Just as you would keep any of your systems. However, remember that although in the wild, SH's are in waters that are in and around 80F, you want to keep those in captivity in and around 75-78F. This cooler temperature keeps down the probablility of severe bacterial blooms.
Question #12: What kind of additives go in the water if any?
I use no additives at all in either the display tank or fry tanks. I do use Amquel in fry tanks from time to time. Formalin if they have the "itch". Other than that, I simply enrich my foods.
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