CARING FOR BROOK TROUT EGGS

In nature, the female fish will bury the eggs in the gravel to protect them from sunlight.  The eggs cannot survive more than 15-30 minutes of exposure to sunlight or fluorescent light, so they must remain covered.
 

Live eggs are pink to orange in color.  Dead eggs may become covered in fungus, causing them to appear white.  If dead eggs are left in the tank, the fungus will quickly spread to the other live eggs.  Therefore, dead eggs must be removed daily.

Temperature is an important abiotic factor because it affects the fish themselves, as well as other factors like oxygen levels.  The ideal temperature range for raising trout is 48-52 ºF.  Even a 3º change in temperature can kill eggs and fish.  When water changes are done, the new water needs to be the same temperature as the water in the tank.
 

Dissolved oxygen is measured in units of parts per million (ppm).  Trout are active and use a lot of oxygen to perform life functions.  Ideal levels of dissolved oxygen are 10-12ppm.  Developing eggs must have an absolute minimum of 8ppm to avoid problems.
 

pH is an indicator of how acidic or basic the water is.  Pure water has a pH of 7.  The ideal range for trout is between 6.0 and 8.0.  Any pH outside that range can damage the eggs and fish.

As the eggs and trout develop, they produce wastes (like ammonia).  Ammonia is highly toxic to fish and alters the pH of the water.  Total ammonia levels should be less than 5 mg per liter.  If the ammonia level is too high, a partial water change must be done.
 

Chlorine in tap water is toxic to fish and to the good bacteria that make up the tank’s bio-filter.  Tap water can be de-chlorinated by leaving it exposed to the air for at least 24 hours.
 

Water needs to be clear.  The filter will help but if there is any debris on the bottom or sides of the tank, it needs to be removed.  With a cleaner tank, the trout have a much higher chance of survival.