Rex -
I agree. Oxygen rich water is the single most important thing. Before I started stripping eggs, I actually had a good sized batch of them hatch just sitting in the gravel of one of my tanks. The female spit them out about 5 days early. I left the eggs in there thinking for sure she'd go back and gather them up. She didn't of course, but I lucked out anyway.
I tend to strip eggs within 1-3 days following a spawn. It puts the female back on food quicker and results in a faster follow up spawn too. Truth be told, most people who use tumblers move the eggs around far too aggressively. I'm convinced just a little movement is good, just to help get fresh water around the eggs to help prevent fungus issues, but I really have no data or research to back that up beyond my own observations. I shake my head when I watch a bunch of the egg tumbler "how to's" on youtube. The eggs look like they are in a Lotto ball machine, shooting around all over the place.
Rex - Guy's name in MN is Mike, if that rings a bell. Real nice guy. Thanks if you sent him my way!
12 ac pond in NW Missouri. 28' max depth at full pool. Fish Present: LMB, BG, RES, YP, CC, WB, HSB, WE, BCP, WCP, GSH.
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