The Lightning Project

The ongoing saga of the PNG Lightning Maroon Clownfish breeding project.

Browsing Posts published in April, 2010

This morning, both fish showed signs of improvement.  I was patting myself on the back for deciding to dose Formalin to the tank at the 1 drop per gallon rate.  I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to jinx anything. The Lightning Maroon is doing well.  Today, all day, I can finally say that […]

So, these guys are really holding their cards close.  This morning, Cryptocaryon and hints of Brooklynella.  Then, for most of the day, the female has moved from the CAVE she’s lived in.  She was out and about, mostly hovering above the cave, looking at the back wall & filter intake.  No observeable Cryptocaryon, but renewed […]

Sometimes the only right question to ask is “WTF?!” Turned on the lights this morning (folks should know that ambient sunlight wakes up the fishroom much earlier than I do).  Waited a few minutes.  Offered Spectrum pellets to the Maroons.  Saw the female make what I’d call a definitive “look” at the pellets before snubbing […]

So this evening I did my water tests after letting things settle down.  Salinity / Specific Gravity has once again crept up to 1.011, so I brought it back to down to 1.010 with RODI water.  Important to keep the salinity at the right levels…1.010 is better than 1.011 for hyposalinity treatment. Lighting Maroon nipped […]

So, pretty much followed the plan I outlined earlier today.  Fed in Fish King Fish Eggs, with the Lighting Clown devoured.  Female got the last 45 minute Formalin Dip, 20 drops (1 ML) Formalin into 1 gallon tank water, heavily aerated.  Lightning Clownfish followed.  Both fish arguably seemed “rejuvenated” after their dips.  Took out another […]

Short update – still pulling crazy OT on the project for work today.  I really want this project OFF MY PLATE! No external symptoms of anything on either Maroon today.  No Brooklynella, Cryptocaryon or Amyloodinium outwardly observable.   Both are very “mellow” overall, but no heavy breathing.   The fish lack “spunk” though…they are not […]

I’ve offered 2 feedings since my last post.  One was ignored by both fish, and this last one, the Lightning Maroon ate again.  I’ve had mixing and heating for most of the day in anticipation of doing a water change this evening.  I did that water change.  Since I’m out of Seachem’s Stress Guard, I […]

Taking a break from work..wow…already burned out and again, OT is in the future tonight!  But, I can take 10 minutes away to update you all on the status of the Maroons… This morning, I was dealt another disheartening turn of events.  I went down before starting my workday and took a look.  I think […]

I sent this one out to the experts, but I’m withholding my own thoughts.  This is the PNG Saddleback I mentioned earlier when I talked about Formalin dipping “replaceable” fish before going with the Maroons.  This Saddleback has been in hyposalinity (1.010) and has had a formalin dip daily for the last 3 days.  The […]

Another feeding attempt is met with unenthusiastic response. Fish are still sulking. Another water change is enacted. Formalin dosed. Feeling frustrated.