Circulation in a rearing tank for pelagic larvae

[LordJoshaeus]

I am conspiring to breed saltwater fish in the future, initially with demersal spawners like clownfish (I was thinking skunk clowns) and dottybacks...I have a amazon book on breeding marine ornamentals that has taught me a lot, but one big question I have that the book is somewhat vague about is how to set up the larval rearing tank. I know it needs to be (A) round and (B) black, so I'll likely use a black utility tub (in the vicinity of 15 gallons) for that purpose...however, I am not so sure about circulation. What should I use for circulation? A single wooden air stone perhaps? Also, how big would the fry need to be before I could commence water changes? Anything else I should know specifically about the rearing tank? Thanks :)

 

[Tahoe61]

I am curious, what is the name of the book?
Definitely an air stone, anything else would create too much flow.
You have some very specific questions which I hope get answered, there's not a lot recreational breeders.
Perhaps do a deep dive into Biota and see their techniques.
Good luck and please document and share your adventure.

 

[LordJoshaeus]

I am curious, what is the name of the book?
Definitely an air stone, anything else would create too much flow.
You have some very specific questions which I hope get answered, there's not a lot recreational breeders.
Perhaps do a deep dive into Biota and see their techniques.
Good luck and please document and share your adventure.

"The Complete Illustrated Breeder's Guide To Marine Aquarium Fishes". I took another look and they were more specific than I realized...they recommended two air stones at low flow rates. They even specified the amount of air going through the air stone, though I have naught a clue how I would measure that...

I'll document it when I get a little further along. I am slowly setting up the 20 high broodstock tank...it has water, a heater, a light (set to its lowest setting currently), and pumps, but I still need a skimmer (remember, to get fish to breed they need to be heavily fed), custom filters to attach to the pumps, and lengths of PVC to provide cover for the fishes (as well as a flat surface if breeding clownfishes), and of course will need to cycle the tank before I can add anything. Not to mention I need rotifer cultures...
Planning to keep one pair of clowns and one pair of another demersal spawner in the broodstock and to try to raise one at a time (the aforementioned book says it can be done with caution).