Question, my convicts laid their eggs about two weeks ago, and like the good parents they are, they've been very busy protecting their offspring. This morning I woke up to notice about 15 little frys swimming around with the protection of mom and dad. However, the part of the tank where the breeding has taken place is quite filthy. I haven't vacuumed that area since I noticed the eggs. Question: Should I continue to avoid vacuuming the gravel on that side of the tank until the little guys are a little bigger? Do I have any options, and by not vacuuming will it cause my water to become unhealthy for the rest of the tank?

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55 Gallon Marine FOWLR Tank ( Yellow Tang, Flame Back Angel, Tomatoe Clown, Diamond Goby, 6 Line Wrasse, 4 Stripe Damsel, Blue Damsel, Kupang Damsel, Yellow Damsel and 3 Blue/Green Chromis)

Hello Frank. I wouldn't vacuum the gravel at all, as it'll put the parents in a tailspin, plus the male con usually plunges himself in the gravel and stirs up uneaten food to feed the fry, so I would stay away from vacuuming it up. You can still do regular water changes, just avoid vacuuming.

I agree. Leave the area alone for awhile and let the parents do their work.

I would start finding homes for the fry now though because they will be ready to leave in a few months, and if you see 15 fry, there are probably 3 times that many stashed away somewhere safe.

My I saw around 40 fry when my convicts bred and there ended up being around 150..