PEE'YOU.. TADPOLE WATER STINKS!!

#1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 01:47 AM

Does anyone have stinky tadpole water? I have noticed that once my tadpoles got their legs and started to get their arm buds their water gets quiet smelly. I change it daily. I am using Kent's Blackwater Marine, feeding spirullina, tadpole bites and ocasional algae tablets. This diet has not changed so I don't understand why it's so stinky. Any ideas??

elmoisfive · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 02:00 AM

One possibility is that their appetite is decreasing while you continue to feed at the normal rate (so a small amount of food may be going bad). I notice a distinct slow down in feeding as they enter into this stage of development.

Just something to consider.

Bill

#3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 02:11 AM

Yeah, I keep feeding them the same while they seemed to have mellowed out. They used to dart excitedly at the smallest thing, now they seem more mellow. Thanks for the suggestion.

elmoisfive · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 02:21 AM

They are undergoing a fairly radical body transformation, including modification of the mouth parts so the diminished interest in 'tadpole' food is normal.

Bill

verbal · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 02:46 AM

I usually stop feeding my tads (tincs and leucs, anyways) once the front legs emerge. They don't seem to eat much from that time until 2-3 days after they come out of water.

RYan

Alan Zimmerman · #6 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 04:08 PM

If the water is fouled you will want to change it. Smelly water is a sign that the water chemisty has gone bad due to the build-up of organics. If allowed to continue it could result in death of the tad(s).

defaced · #7 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 05:22 PM

I also stop feeding once the front legs pop and wait a few days after metamorphosis to start feeding again. Probably around 10 days total without feeding.

#8 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 05:38 PM

Thanks everyone. These are the first tadpoles I ever raised so I am learning. You all have been tremendous help. I will decrease their food. One looks like the front legs will pop any day!I change the water daily but anticipate significant decrease in debris now. Thanks again

Dendrobait · #9 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 06:02 PM

I always assumed they didn't eat once they were ready for front legs and onward...is that true?

defaced · #10 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 06:15 PM

Yes. Bill elluded to this:

Quote:

They are undergoing a fairly radical body transformation, including modification of the mouth parts so the diminished interest in 'tadpole' food is normal.

As the mouth is changing from a tad mouth to a frog mouth, the tad/frog doesn't eat. Instead it gets its nutrients from its tail, which it's absorbing.