Breeding L260

blackpantha · Post by **blackpantha** » 16 Dec 2006, 03:41

I have the opportunity to get myself a few L260, I was wondering if a 60cmx45cmx45cm tank would be big enough for two males and two females? also is their any breeding logs for these fish? I plan to run this equipment on this size tank.

1 Fluval 205 filter

1

But smaller pump and PVC

1 Sera 100watt heater

1 2ft light hood

1 Aqua One H800 Hang-On Filter (for rainy season)

5mm of sand

bunch of rocks, caves and bog wood.

Anything else I should have?

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 19 Dec 2006, 11:45

+++++ for the tank setup.
- for searching skills

Look at the "Shane's world" section, and you'll find breeding log of L260 as well as several other related species (which will help as one log may detail the breeding of that fish, but logs of other closely related fish may give you other ideas that can help).

I think the tank-size is sufficient for a group - I'd probably go for a trio of 1m + 2f - multiple males have as tendency to fight with each other rather than "bother" with breeding.

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Mats

blackpantha · Post by **blackpantha** » 19 Dec 2006, 21:11

I am actually getting a large breeding group of 3 Males and 5 Females.

I was thinking about a 100cm Long 50cm Wide 30cm Height.

blackpantha · Post by **blackpantha** » 19 Dec 2006, 23:58

Is that tank big enough?

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 20 Dec 2006, 11:45

I am actually getting a large breeding group of 3 Males and 5 Females.

I would split that into three groups with one male and one or two females in each (5 females -> 2 + 2 + 1 when split into three). That way, the males aren't going to "fight" over who has the territory instead of breeding, which is a potential risk when putting multiple males in the same tank - almost literally no matter how large the tank is - obviously a tank that is "river sized" would not be a problem, but a 1m tank is definitely not "river sized".

Bear in mind that I don't KNOW that this will happen, it's just speculation based on what I've read before.

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Mats

blackpantha · Post by **blackpantha** » 21 Dec 2006, 07:38

the LFS can only get 6 so I am going to take 4. Should I split them up into 1-2? I am thinking for a tank with a devider down the middle.

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 21 Dec 2006, 12:17

I keep L262, which I believe are probably a close relative of L260.

These are the most peaceful plecs I have, and I rarely see aggression from them.

I would say that the eight would be fine in that tank provided there are loads of hiding places.

I would agree with Mats though that you are better off purchasing three 60cm tanks and keeping three fish in each (1M + 2F).

This way you can experiment with different breeding variables such as food, temp, pH, conductivity, water changes, caves, decor, dithers etc etc.

It could be a really good opportunity to explore these fish's breeding behaviour with a bit more scientific rigour.

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racoll · Post by **racoll** » 21 Dec 2006, 12:24

the LFS can only get 6 so I am going to take 4. Should I split them up into 1-2? I am thinking for a tank with a devider down the middle.

For some reason i didn't read this.

I would would keep them all together for a while to let them settle down and get in good breeding condition.

Them I would select the most mature dominant individuals and place them in a separate tank to breed.

I don't like the sound of the divider, as I feel it may affect the circulation for the filters/pumps.

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blackpantha · Post by **blackpantha** » 22 Dec 2006, 01:26

Ok, I think I might just keep a large breeding group of 6-8 individuals in a medium sized tank. That way I can try the whole food, temp, pH, conductivity, water changes, caves, decor, with the large group and see what makes them breed faster or bigger clutches like changing the food or if a bigger water change means a bigger clutch of eggs.

I am going to put them in a tank sized 100cm(L)50cm(W)30cm(H)
Is this big enough?

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 22 Dec 2006, 10:34

I am going to put them in a tank sized 100cm(L)50cm(W)30cm(H)
Is this big enough?

Yes I think it is big enough, but every setup is different, so I would keep a very close eye on them to make sure no fish are being harmed by the jostling for a hole.

I would always make sure there are more holes that fish, so there is always safe somewhere to retreat to.

That way I can try the whole food, temp, pH, conductivity, water changes, caves, decor, with the large group and see what makes them breed faster or bigger clutches like changing the food or if a bigger water change means a bigger clutch of eggs.

Yes you can experiment to change the parameters, but if its only in one tank you have nothing to compare to, so you may not work out what is best.

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