synodontis multipunctatus advice needed

dunl · Post by **dunl** » 20 Oct 2005, 01:44

Hi all,
I'm new here, so be gentle with me. (fresh meat!

)

I just bought 5 adult multies (well, 2 yrs. old) to go with my three juvies, and I would like to build a 75 gallon tank centered around them. I have looked into breeding advice, but the jury seems to be out on the best way to breed them (host/no host,what kind of host, etc.)

I'm pretty experienced with cichlids, so I don't mind building the tank with hosts, but I'm not exactly sure what I'd like to do yet. If you have any suggestions for what you would do with an 8-piece colony of syno multies in a 75, please let me know.

Thanks,
Dunl

worton[pl] · Post by **worton[pl]** » 20 Oct 2005, 09:32

Hiya,

Two interesting topics:

<a href="http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... ">First</a>

<a href="http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... >Second</a>

After reading them you should get your answer :).

Regards.

dunl · Post by **dunl** » 20 Oct 2005, 17:16

Actually, that is a great bit of information there. I keep seeing differing opinions on using hosts vs. no hosts, but there are few opinions from people who have tried both. I'd like to hear some views from people who have travelled both roads, and the differences they saw.

Jackster · Post by **Jackster** » 20 Oct 2005, 20:23

Use Lake Victoria Haps as hosts. I have never spawned S. multipuctatus myself but Victorian Haps
seem to be mentioned the most in what I've seen. In the wild they parasite Ctenochromis horei
which are available in the hobby.

dunl · Post by **dunl** » 21 Oct 2005, 13:21

How about general landscaping ideas.....anyone? Lanscape for the synos, or for the hosts?

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 21 Oct 2005, 15:21

I tend to landscape the tank to allow the Synos free access and plenty of cover on approach the the cichlid nest sites.

I use 10" flowerpot saucers inverted with cutouts as cichlid nest sites. This allows the catfish to hide directly under the spawning cichlids.

I also use large pieces of lace rock both as visual barriers to give the male cichlids defined territories on either end of the tank, but also to shield the approach of the catfish.
Between and under the large rocks I laid dozens of sections of PVC pipe(not the most aesthically pleasing decorations, but it works) to allow the catfish runs in cover from one end of the tank to the other.

dunl · Post by **dunl** » 21 Oct 2005, 15:25

Between and under the large rocks I laid dozens of sections of PVC pipe(not the most aesthically pleasing decorations, but it works) to allow the catfish runs in cover from one end of the tank to the other.

Damm, that's a nice idea. Kind of like a covert operation, eh? This is the type of thing I am looking for. My 75 is sitting empty right now, but I could lay the PVC first and camoflage it with some kind of substrate or something....

dunl · Post by **dunl** » 21 Oct 2005, 15:26

BTW, if you have any pictures, I'd love to see them.

pturley · Post by **pturley** » 21 Oct 2005, 15:34

Another tip. Cut the PVC short enough that each length fits into the opening of your largest net.

When you strip the female cichlids (which you should do very often), they will immediately duck into the PVC. Simply net the PVC, separate the cats from the cichlids and off you go.

I may have a slide or two laying around, but not scanned into the 'puter.