SmithRC's Zeb update...

Everything you ever wanted to say about "Zebra luvin", but didn't because you thought everyone would take the mickey! Plus general topics for discussion including everything from what you feed them to your personal experiences.

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smithrc
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SmithRC's Zeb update...

Post by smithrc »

Well - I've been off of here for a while so i figured I'd give everyone a quick update.

I'll give a quick recap of our zeb history for those that are new ;)

We've had a group of 5 adults since Jan last year (so we've had them a year) We were never sure what sexes we had and in the end I had resigned myself to the fact that we had all males...
I still did RO changes and varied the temps etc to see if they would respond. but they didn't.

We added a 6th back in Aug and it seemed to mess up the tanks hierarchy, there was fighting going on over caves and the Alpha male took a real bashing loosing his stripes in one nights affray, The fighting settled back down again shortly afterwards but things weren't right.

We decided to set about looking for a mature 100% female. To fund it, we sold one of our males (It was going to be 2 but there was some suspicion of the sex of one of the others and I didnt want to sell both of the most mature males)

Once there was 5 things took a turn for the better - zebs we're paying other zebs attention other than fighting and it all looked happy again.

We continued with the water changes and monitored the TDS and PH and varied them to try and get some reaction... nothing.

I got a little worried at one point as the new alpha male had another 'male' trapped in a cave for a few days - then nothing - then trapped in a different cave for a few days.

In mid November Lorna and I became parentsto little baby boy called Ben, I was in and out of hospital for 4 days and was feeding in the evening as usual. The day Ben came home I took a look in the zeb tank and to my horror there was a dead one floating under a bit of bog wood!
Lost heart at that point - although it wasn't our latest addition and it wasn't any of the main players in the tank - it was still a big blow. Water tested fine - everyone else was fine... emergency water change and left them to it again. :(

The 2 zebs continued to share a cave - no fighting and no-one had damage or looked distressed so I left them to it... (got a little excited)

Well that was 7 weeks ago and since then they have been neglected... nothing bad but with the new baby - time and sleep are luxury's (hence my absence)- but they have had just one water change in that time and only been fed quick and easy foods (eg tetra prima from the pot next to the tank) I treated them to blood worm a few nights ago as I was feeling guilty. I was also going to do a water change the night before and again last night but didnt get chance... :?

Well I'd been checking on the sharing zebs and there was nothing to report - disappointment... until this morning. I took a quick head count and saw 4 zebs... normally I can normally see 2 tails - one in the tank and then check on the ones sharing the cave to make 4. But this morning there were 2 tails and 2 out in the tank....

A quick look in the cave they were sharing last showed the male in there fanning as usual... but a lovely present at the back! Approx 20 perfectly round little orange orbs!

They have finally got it together! and like so many stories, it happened after a period of being 'left alone'

Pics WILL follow! but for the time being here are the only 2 I'll be taking of the eggs.

Image

Image
Click For Our Plecs
[url=http://www.smithrc.f2s.com/gallery/plecs][img]http://www.smithrc.f2s.com/assorted/PlecSig_sm.jpg[/img][/url]
Mindy
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Post by Mindy »

Well congrats! On yours AND theirs! :D And looking forward to more updates...

I've just added a bunch of water after somehow not noticing how much had evaporated. They've had a lot of fresh water in the last week. I wonder if I'll be rewared for my lack of effort too! :lol:
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andrewcoxon
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Post by andrewcoxon »

well done mate! brilliant news on both accounts. where the hell did you find a female?!!! iv been looking for over 6 months!!!!
My Pleco's:
4 x L46
5 x L174
5 x L134
5 x L287
5 x L257
2 x L236
smithrc
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Post by smithrc »

Turns out we had one from the begining :D
Click For Our Plecs
[url=http://www.smithrc.f2s.com/gallery/plecs][img]http://www.smithrc.f2s.com/assorted/PlecSig_sm.jpg[/img][/url]
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Plastic Mac
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Post by Plastic Mac »

Congratulations on both your new offspring! :D

It looks like there's decent amount of eggs in there too. Keep us updated on how things progress.

Congratulatiosn once again.

Plastic Mac
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Post by McEve »

congrats again smithrc! :D looks like a fine bunch of fertilized eggs you have there :D
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John
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Post by John »

Looks good smithrc Image
Congratulations with your baby :!:
Greetings,
John
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civicr
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hi

Post by civicr »

well done..bet ur over the moon

:D
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Post by rich1988oxford »

Congratulations, looks like a gd number you have there. Is'nt it strange how being left alone seemed to trigger them.
Are you gunna leave them with thier dad for a bit when they hatch or are you going to get them out as soon as possible.
From the pics of the adults (looking really healthy) you posted earlier, theres no doubt your going to have a set of strong healthy youngsters.
You must be over the moon : :)
good luck from hear on in.
Pajamas
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Post by Pajamas »

Congratulations!! Hope it all goes well. Keep us updated and put some more pics up please :shock:
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Alistair
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Post by Alistair »

Congrats on both your new additions :D

Hope the little fellow brings you as much joy as mine has, won't be long before he will want his own tank and fish to match daddy's 8)

Al.C
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n00dl3
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Post by n00dl3 »

Congrats on your non-gay group... :D ... most definitely keep us all updated..

o yea.. congrats on being a DAD!!!! :lol: :lol:
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TwoTankAmin
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Post by TwoTankAmin »

Nice work on both fronts :)
What makes the common person uncommon is common sense.
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husky_jim
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Post by husky_jim »

Congrads!!!

Keep us updated!!!! :wink:
[b]Jim[/b]
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Post by zeberdy »

Great news smithrc! Well done!
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