Sad story - Happy story

I have had several LF Calico BN's for a year. They are in two different tanks. One a Community tank, one a endler-BN tank. After a year, I had stopped watching for activity, figuring the condition just did not make them happy.
Little more than a mouth ago, I noticed some fry in the community tank filter! I panicked! Took the filter apart and found six cute babies.. I was suppose to be some where, so without thinking... at all... I put four back into the tank, and gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp. the serpae tetras had snacks. Can't believe I was that stupid. The last two went into the Endler tank, (and seem to be doing fine.)
When I returned from my trip, the male was in his cave. OK, I was not going to repeat the last experience.
Got a 10 gallon tank going, and carefully scooped the whole cave out of the big tank! ( Tank water is good, ph of about 7.3, same as the big tanks,) I was hoping I hadn't upset him too much, he tried to hide behind the heater. After awhile he did return to fanning.. week later the egg clutch disappeared. He was still staying at the cave mouth and would disappear up to the roof, out of sight, every time the tank lid was opened. After a few days I saw a tiny, almost transparent little one go by! very neat.
Yesterday one little one escaped, but dad is still keeping the little ones out of sight.
No idea how many in there.
I have been rotating vegis every day, but never see him eat. Is that OK?

Yes that is fine
Dad will not eat whilst "babysitting" But keep offering the food as the babies and dad will be out & about soon enough

Congratulations

Quick up date
Dad let the little ones trickle out, and followed about two days later... Empty nest syndrome?

I started with a bare tank bottom. I lost about Five - did some post searches, and put some fine gravel on the bottom. Haven't lost any since.
There's probably a bout twenty little ones. Eating well, -- love the cucumber!

Dad is still in with them, enjoying his vacation.
Next week I must find a bigger tank. Funny how you never have enough tanks.

willow52 wrote:

Next week I must find a bigger tank. Funny how you never have enough tanks.

How true, you always seem to need one more