I'm setting up a another breeding tank and wondering about what type of filter to use. I've been told an UG filter is a no-no for egg-scatterers. What I'm going to try my luck with first are rummy nose tetras. Also want to try cardinal tetras. I've only tried livebearers before.

I was going to lay down gravel with marbles on top. Any thoughts?

I have another tank full of 10 wk old guppies. They are about 15mm long. When are these going to be safe in a community tank with 4 good sized angels?

If you are setting up a tank for egglayers to breed in then the only filter you will need is a sponge filter once the eggs have hatched. The parents won't be in there long.

Marbles are a pain in the proverbial. Put down a grid of mesh so the eggs can fall through it out of the parents' reach or use artificial spawning grass (I have seen that advertised on Trademe). I think someone said the $2 Shop has something similar.

I read somewhere that you can use a net curtain pegged to the edge of the tank, leaving a couple of inches off the bottom of the tank, then throw the fish on top - add water first, of course!

Bare bottom tanks are easier to vacuum with a bit of air line hose.

What is this sponge filter Caryl? I've never heard of that one :-?

i think she is refering to somthing like

yea i have the double one in the pic Hands showed. i have it in a 100 L tank and it goes hard....

So yea, i suggest getting one of them

Yep sponge filters are the way to go all right and if you intend to breed tetra's you don't need them to be going flat out either just a very gentle air flow.

As you are giving cardinals or rummynose a go first you should use a fine layer of peat rather then the traditional marbles especially for the cardinals as it helps calm them down better and hides the eggs.

sponge filter are great for rearing small frys. i was planning a bulk buy on them but then those trademe sellers Fishzone or Tankgirl3 hasnt got them anymore...

and dont forget to black out those tanks!!!

hmm do rummynose need there tank blacked out??

I know cardinal eggs and nyph are not light tolerant.

im not sure lol, i have just read about quite a few species needing blacked out tanks and thought perhaps it applies to most of the family

from what i have heard, all tetras require blackened out tanks with the exception of lemon tetras.

Sorry again antwan I know from breeding a few tetras not all need blacked out tanks.

but theres a hole in my knowlage regarding whether rummynose need to be blacked out or not.

from my experience just make sure not to expose the tank to high intensity light. or put it in somewhere shaddy is fine.

Check your AW back issues Stu there is an article on breeding rummys. If I was at home I would find it but I am at work so don't have access to the info until tonight.

What's AW?? I'd be very keen on reading that article Caryl.

:lol: Thats a good idea Caryl, what would we do with out you

see you on the weekend.

AW = The NZ Aquaruim World magazine (of which I am editor )

It is NZs only tropical fish keeping magazine and produced by the FNZAS.

When I get home tonight I will try and remember to hunt out the article on how to breed rummys.

I'll keep an eye out