How to Save Your Baby Fish with a Breeder Box

Most fish do not show any parental care toward their offspring, so when they lay eggs or give birth in an aquarium, the next generation can easily become a quick snack for the adults. In the wild, babies try their best to hide from would-be predators by using camouflage, swimming to shallow waters, and taking cover in dense vegetation and tiny nooks. In an aquarium, we can help increase their survival rate even more by using a breeder box to contain the fry and protect them from larger fish.

What is a Breeder Box and how does it work?

A breeder net, also known as a box, is a container designed to temporarily house tiny babies, eggs, and sick fish, while they heal. The majority of breeder boxes are floating on the water surface, or attached to the aquarium side so that fry can share the same water. We like the Ziss Premium breeder box. It prevents the water from stagnant, getting dirty or being low in oxygen. The box can be connected to an air pump to bring in water and it also comes with three mesh screens to ensure maximum water flow.

How to Install the Ziss Breeder Box

1. Gather the following materials: Ziss Premium Breeder Box Airline tubing Air pump Check valve – Air valve (optional)

1. Cut an 18-24 inch length of airline tubing (45-60 cm). Attach the Ziss breeder kit’s air stone to one end.

1. Fit the air stone inside the water lift channel so that the air stone rests at the bottom in front of the grate and the airline tubing exits out the hole at the top.

1. Snap the water lift channel onto the two vertical ridges on the breeder box, starting from bottom edge.

1. Select whether to attach the breeder box to the aquarium using the hanger or the suction cup bracket. – To use the suction cup bracket, attach the four suction cups onto each corner of the bracket. The clear tab located on the other side of the water lift channel is the one that protrudes and curves downward at a 90 degree angle. Insert the tab into the bracket and then slide the bracket vertically upwards to lock into place.

To use the hanger, slide the clear tab from the breeder box into the hanger’s rung and slide it upwards. (To adjust how high or low the breeder box hangs in the aquarium, try inserting the downward tab into another rung.) Screw the large plastic screw into place.

1. Place the breeder box in the fish tank and secure it to the side of the aquarium wall. The loose end of the airline tube without the airstone should be hung outside the tank. The top of the box should be slightly higher than the water line. – If using the suction cup bracket, press the breeder box into the tank wall until the suction cups engage and the breeder box is firmly attached. Hang the breeder box on the aquarium rim using the hanger. Then tighten the screw with your fingers until it is in place.

1. Attach the check valve to the loose end the airline tubing. Make sure the flapper end (looks like horizontal or colored bars) faces away from the aquarium.

1. Place the air pump where it can reach an electric outlet, if necessary. You will need to cut a second piece of airline tubing long enough for your air pump to reach the check-valve. Use the second piece to connect the air pump and check-vale. After plugging in the air pump, bubbles should appear inside the breeder’s airstone. If you do not see bubbles, it is possible to either check for air leaks in the check valve or turn the check valve upside down. Optional: You can add an air valve to regulate the water flow to the breeder box by cutting the second length of airline tube into two pieces. Attach an air valve between check valve and air pump.

1. Place the fry, eggs, or sick fish inside the breeder box. To provide shelter for the babies, you can add live plants and other decorations.

1. The lid should be placed on top of the box. The lid’s hole is for feeding the fish and opening it easily.

Common Questions about Breeder Boxes

How do I clean a breeder container?

Uncooked fish waste or uneaten food can build up inside the breeder boxes. A turkey baster can be used to remove the waste. If the sides of the Ziss breeder box start growing algae, you can use a toothbrush or algae scrubber to wipe them down.

How long should fry be kept in the breeder container? The babies should not be too big to fit into the mouths of adult fish before they are added back into the main tank. This could be 4 to 5 week for livebearer fish.

What can you do with baby fry you don’t want? Give them away to family and friends, give them to pet shops, or sell them to local fish stores. Read our article below on how to make a little extra cash with fish breeding to support your aquarium hobby.