C. orientalis hatchlings

[cole]

My first two c. orientalis hatched yesterday! I was wondering if it is normal for them to just lay at the bottom of the tank and only move if disturbed, and when do they start becoming active?

 

[jim]

Here you go:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/raising.shtml

 

[jennifer]

Yes, quite normal. They sometimes lay on their sides at first. Even after they sit up, they still don't move unless disturbed. Sitting still hides them from predators, so they have a good reason to sit still! They are never going to "swim around" much.

 

[cole]

Thanks I must have missed that part when I read it before

 

[cole]

They will move to eat though wont they?

 

[jennifer]

The littlest ones make a little "hop" to grab their food. When they are older, they will move farther to get to where the food is.

 

[cole]

Another question. I have now 6 larva hatched 2 yesterday and two today. I have them in a 33 gallon aquqrium with about 7 inches of water. Is this too big of a tank ,I am worried about feeding them if they are able to get the bbs in that size of tank?

 

[jennifer]

I would say, yes, it's too big. What is in the tank (does it have substrate, or bare... plants, etc?) If it's just an empty non-cycled tank, I'd say switch to small containers that are easily cleaned.

 

[cole]

Tank is water from established tank with java fern, java moss, elodai ,half sand, half bare bottom. I test water and do partial water changes every two days, and clean daily with turkey baster. I have an air stone and a small repto filter that water is difused over a turtle dock . I do have a couple of 5 gallon tanks that I was going to use for late hatchers as just about every day new eggs are being laid. I really would like the larva to live so any suggestions are apprieciated thanks .

 

[jennifer]

You might need to stop using the Repto-filter, as it may suck up the larva food. To some extent, the housing details depend on what food(s) you plan to use. What will you feed them after they outgrow the BBS?

 

[cole]

I transferred the larva to small 2 litre tubs with maybe 1 1/2 inches of water . I was worried that they were not eating so this way I can monitor them better.I would like to feed them black worms but am having a really hard time finding any in Edmonton Ab. I will probably have to order some online. Is it better to feed them with a light on or total darkness?