Containers for raising larvae

I thought I'd share my current larvae raising set-up. I like to use clear plastic containers that have a clarity which allows me to take photos through the plastic. This is more important to me than the shape of the container - I like taking photos, if you hadn't already noticed . I used to raise larvae in small shallow tubs but you can only take photos from above. These take up very little space as they are tall rather than wide. They also have a lid which can be drilled for an air line. Lids are quite important as I feed lots of mosquito larvae and some don't get eaten! When the larvae get too large they are moved to standard aquariums. With small containers such as these you need to be cautious about water quality. These are ~2 litres and I do small water changes each day.

I'm always on the look out for clear containers but these are some of my favourite. I found some good ones in Ikea which are perfect for photos but a bit too small for raising larvae.

I'd be interested in seeing anyone else's raising set-ups.

Those look great Mark. I am raising my hongkongensis larvae in plastic fish fry nurseries. They are in the parent's tank at the moment, and quite good for taking photos. They are also easy to keep clean, and feed the larvae. Sorry the photo is so bad, but you get the idea.

I like those containers, Mark. It's hard to find containers that are clear enough to see what's going on.

Here are some of my larva-rearing tubs. I do miss being able to see the larvae clearly

Mark...those are great! What containers exactly or those. In reality, you are going to take up floorspace, so why not maximize water volume with height? They also are easy view. Take the setups Jenn has, stuff them full of java moss, and that is what my larvae tanks look like. This arrangement does give them advantage of being able to slide them out of site under the rack, but you have to pull them out and open them to get a good look. One major advantage of being able to put them on the floor is that they stay alot cooler down there. But for winter and for raising more warmth tolerant species thta looks like a great(not to mention pretty) solution for me. I've been trying to organize my rack setup so that I'm not the only one that can enjoy it(i.e, make it guest friendly and attractive), and this looks like a neat idea I could incorporate.

Louise – that’s a good idea. I’ve only seen the net style rearing tanks before. How does it attach to the tank? Can small food items escape?

Jen/Joseph – that’s the sort of set-up I used to use and it’s probably the best design although they do take up quite a bit of space. One of the main disadvantages of the tall set-up is lack of surface area. Larvae that become mid-water feeders such as Triturus are completely at home in a tall tank. Pleuros on the other hand are quite happy on the floor and it takes a while for them to start using the height. I place quite a bit of pond weed in the tanks which creates more usable space and allows larvae to find their own spot. Many of the food items sink to the bottom but it doesn’t take long for larvae to work out where it is and retreat back to the plants once they’re full.

Joseph – they are food storage containers, designed for bread rolls I think.

wow thanks for some great idea's guy's =)

The nurseries are plastic and attach to the side of the tank with suction cups. They are made by Interpet, but my aquarium shop had several different plastic variations. There are 'slits' in the sides to allow free flow of water, and removable plastic vented lids. There is also an airstone which can be connected up to a separate airline, but I haven't used it.

here are my favourite 30 l ones. doesn`t matter they are not clear.