If you have an aquarium with a large quantity de peces It is very possible that several of them will reproduce and have offspring throughout the year; to understand this process, consult the fish mating in the aquariumIn these cases, the best option is to separate them into another enclosure so that the other fish cannot eat or injure them. Breeding tanks are used for this purpose. In this article, we will explain in detail what they are. farrowing pens for fishWhat are they for, what types are there, how to use them step by step, and whether they are really effective for breeding and quarantine.
If you need to set up a whelping box and want to know everything about it, you can learn it here. Just keep reading and apply these tips to protect your fry and your more delicate fish, especially in aquariums with tropical fish.
The best farrowing pens de peces
What is a farrowing house? de peces
As we mentioned in the introduction, a farrowing pen de peces is a small plastic container or mesh, designed to be placed inside or next to the main aquarium. It is usually divided into three or four parts depending on the model, and includes slots or holes that allow water exchange with the aquarium, similar to the operation of a aquarium filterwithout the young being able to escape.
The first part is a piece or compartment where the viviparous or ovoviviparous female that is about to give birth. In this way, she can isolate herself from the others so that they don't harm the young at the most delicate moment. In order to be able to lay eggs or give birth properly, Fish need a quiet space that fulfills a function similar to a nest and offers absolute protection against potential predators.
In many species de peces, especially in those that are very territorial, the male adopts a behavior extremely defensive When protecting their nest or breeding area, they may exhibit aggressive behavior. This can cause serious problems in the overall aquarium: chasing, biting, and even death. Therefore, the use of breeding boxes is almost essential. de peces when we want to ensure the survival of the fry.
These plastic containers usually have a top cover This protects them from external temperatures, minimizes jumping, and prevents them from escaping. This way, we won't have to worry about any fish escaping or mixing with the others prematurely. Many models also include small lower grates through which the fry fall into a safe compartment, out of the mother's reach if she becomes stressed.
The best thing about these containers is that they have internal parts for separating several femalesThis is because it's possible that two hens might be ready to give birth at the same time. This way, each one has her own space, reducing aggression between them. There are also other containers with plastic edges and fine mesh that are sold as breeding pens. Rather than being high-performance breeding facilities, they serve for Keep the fry inside the main aquarium while they grow large enough not to be eaten by other fish.
When the mating and breeding season arrives for aquarium fish, management can become complicated. Many fish inhabit the same space, and therefore, The safest thing to do is to isolate the females and the fry. to protect them and reintroduce them to the aquarium when they can defend themselves and are of a size that does not make them easy prey.
Besides the typical rigid plastic inner whelping box, you will find variations on the market with side floats, models that hang from the edge of the aquarium and foldable mesh designs that take up very little space when not in use.
Types of breeding tanks for aquarium fish
Depending on how they are positioned and their operating system, we can distinguish several Types of breeding tanks for aquariumsChoosing the right model is key to reducing stress in the fish and making maintenance tasks easier.
Indoor birthing pens
Internal breeding tanks are the most common in home aquariums. They are placed totally submerged inside the main aquarium and are attached to the glass by means of suction cups or hooks that rest on the edge.
Among its advantages are the Thermal stability (They share the same temperature as the aquarium), the ease of installation, and the fact that the water is passively renewed through their slits or mesh. Some advanced models allow medications to be applied inside without easily dispersing throughout the aquarium.
Floating birthing pens
Floating birthing pens are containers that remain floating on the surface Thanks to air chambers or side floats. They are usually made of rigid plastic and have small slots at the bottom for water exchange with the aquarium.
They are very useful for isolating pregnant females, fry, or sick fish. without needing to attach anything to the glassIn many cases, when the female gives birth, the young fall through a slot into the lower compartment, where they are safe from possible attacks by the mother if she becomes nervous.
External birthing pens
External birthing crates are hung in the exterior of the aquariumThey typically have a water circulation system, usually using a small air compressor or pump, that moves water from the aquarium to the breeding tank.
These types of birthing pens are very interesting when we want medicating a fish without treating the entire community, or when we require very precise control over the water parameters of the quarantine tank. They also improve the visibility of the hatchlings, as the container is usually at eye level.
Mesh or hatchery-type birthing pens
In addition to the above, there are birthing pens and breeding facilities made with plastic structure and mesh wallsTheir main advantage is that they allow excellent circulation of water and oxygen, which reduces the risk of poor water quality inside the tank.
They are especially recommended when we want raise a large number of fry for several weeks, since the usable surface is larger and the little ones have better access to the suspended food.
Main use of birthing pens
As we have mentioned several times, the main purpose of these types of containers is to prevent our fry and young fish from being attacked by the larger fishBreeding tanks are used especially with pregnant females of ovoviviparous and viviparous species, such as guppies, platies, mollies or swordtails.
Young are very vulnerable when They are newborns Because the female, in most of these species, provides no parental care, the fry can then be preyed upon, even by their own parents. A breeding tank allows the fry to be born in a controlled and safe environment, without the pressure of having to live with hungry adult fish from the very beginning.
Farrowing pens also have another very interesting use: separate sick or injured fish that need rest or specific treatment, or even isolate fish that are causing many conflicts in the community aquarium until a definitive solution can be assessed.
In these cases, the birthing pen acts as a small quarantine tankIt's an economical and practical way to observe the fish closely, apply targeted medication, and prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the community. It's also very useful for introducing new fish to the aquarium, allowing them to gradually acclimate to the water and their tankmates without excessive risk.
By placing a pregnant female in the breeding box, we ensure that the process of egg laying or birth can take place. without direct risk to themThis not only prevents potential attacks from other fish, but also allows the fry to develop without suffering harm in the first hours and days of life.
The birthing pen is usually placed in the front part of the aquarium This allows for constant monitoring of what is happening inside the breeding tanks and ensures that the other fish can still see the fry, which helps prevent them from being perceived as completely foreign when they are released. The area where the breeding tanks are placed should not receive too much direct sunlight or be subject to strong water or air currents.
It is advisable to secure the breeding box with the suction cups provided or to attach the front glass to the aquarium glass using the included hooks, ensuring a good fixation and preventing the enclosure from moving with the movements of the water or the fish.
The lambing pens are also quite affordable in price and there are several adapted models Suitable for almost any size aquarium and type of fish. It's really worth having at least one readily available for emergencies or for planning spawning.
And there are. The truth is that worth to have them.
Farrowing pens as isolation and quarantine tanks
Besides their use for reproduction, birthing pens are very useful tools such as containment tanks or small quarantine tanks. This use is highly valued by aquarium enthusiasts who want to minimize health risks in their community aquariums.
By placing a sick fish in the breeding tank we can medicate only that specimenwithout needing to treat all the inhabitants of the aquarium. This avoids unwanted side effects in more sensitive species and saves product. Likewise, we can better control the dosage and duration of the treatment.
For new fish, the breeding tank functions as a zone of controlled acclimatizationDuring this period, water from the main aquarium is gradually introduced into the breeding tank, allowing the fish to acclimate to the temperature, hardness, pH, and other water parameters. This reduces the impact of the change and allows for observation of any signs of illness before releasing them.
In aquariums with particularly delicate or expensive species, many hobbyists use a small 15 or 20 liter tank as if it were a large breeding tank or nursery. These containers can be used to keep a variety of species. large groups of fry until they reach the ideal size for transfer to the main aquarium, with more complete filtration and parameter control.
Are farrowing pens really good?
Breeding tanks are ideal for helping fry to grow up without fear of being preyed uponHowever, like any tool, you have to know how to use them correctly so that they fulfill their function without causing additional problems.
If we introduce several females into a breeding box that is too small, they can end up eat the offspring of the others or greatly increase aggression among them. It's important to keep in mind that these breeding tanks are smaller than the main aquarium, so the fish can become stressed if they remain in that confined space for extended periods.
If we add more females or fish to the same enclosure, we will begin to increase the tension in the environment and, therefore, the stress of these animals. To avoid this type of situation, we cannot leave the females inside for too long; ideally, we should introduce them when we observe clear signs that they are going to give birth and remove them once the process is complete.
These breeding tanks are great for obtaining fry and young of guppy fish and other viviparous animals. You must also consider the female size To choose the correct size of the whelping box, try to provide a reasonable volume so that the stress the pigeon experiences is as minimal as possible.
Once the hatchlings are introduced, The fry should not be isolated for too longAlthough the breeding tank is relatively large, it's not comparable to the space of a full aquarium. Living in such a small space often means they don't grow as much as they could, and their development into adulthood is limited if this period is prolonged too long.
It is recommended to keep them indoors for a maximum of around one or two monthsprovided you keep the water in good condition. As the fry grow larger and stronger, it's best to move them to a larger breeding tank or gradually release them into the main aquarium, as long as the rest de peces does not pose a danger.
Main disadvantages of lambing pens
Just as these containers can help us have better reproduction of our fish, they also present some major drawbacks which you need to know in order to use them responsibly.
The first is stress that it causes in femalesFrom swimming in a larger aquarium with more hiding places, they are moved to a small space with transparent walls and a different morphology. This abrupt change of environment generates stress, especially if the female remains in the breeding tank for many days before giving birth.
It is highly advisable to remove the female after giving birth to prevent her from eating her own young and so that she can recover peacefully in the main aquarium. Another drawback, besides the stress, is the poor water circulation This can occur in some closed models. If there isn't enough movement, waste accumulates and oxygen levels can decrease.
In these cases, it's best not to keep the fish indoors for too long and to make sure there is a good water renewal through the slots or using a aquarium oxygenator nearby. Otherwise, water stagnation and poor oxygenation could occur, affecting the health of the fish.
However, some species such as the Bettas They adapt better to conditions with lower oxygenation, so well-managed breeding tanks can function relatively well with them. Even so, it's advisable to provide them with the highest possible water quality, regardless of their natural hardiness.
Finally, when the use of breeding tanks to keep fish during prolonged periodsThere is a risk that their growth will be stunted and that they will develop more nervous behaviors, as they do not have enough space to swim and explore.
Cleaning and maintenance of the birthing pen
When we start using fish breeding tanks, it's normal that, when light shines on them, they begin to green and brown algae appear on the walls. We can easily remove them with a soft sponge.
Do not use a metal scouring pad Avoid using abrasive sponges, as this will scratch the surface of the whelping box, which can create micro-cracks where dirt accumulates and makes it difficult to see inside. If the model is made of mesh, gently rub it and, if necessary, soak it in water with a little vinegar, rinsing it very well afterward.
The fact that it's not a proper aquarium doesn't exempt you from obligations such as... renew the water and remove any leftover food or excrement. In many models, the breeding box can be tilted slightly inside the aquarium itself so that the water with the waste drains out through the grates, keeping the fish inside.
This way, there's no need to remove the female or the fry, and we can easily replace some of the water. If the breeding tank is external or floating, it's also advisable to periodically remove waste with a small hose or syringe, preventing the accumulation of toxic substances.
In addition to physical cleanliness, you must ensure that the slots or holes should not be obstructed Avoid algae or debris, as this would reduce water flow between the aquarium and the breeding tank. Good circulation is key to maintaining adequate dissolved oxygen and a consistent temperature.
With these tips you can use fish breeding tanks correctly, taking advantage of their benefits for breeding, isolation and quarantine, and reducing to a minimum the potential problems arising from misuse or insufficient maintenance.
