Nannacara Breeding Tank Advice.

[Asp]

I had a pair of Nannacara anomala for a few years, they produced eggs quite regularly but they never managed to hatch anything (I never interfered too much it has to be said). They were in tank with a few remnants of old shoals etc. - a few tetras, some corys - and the tank was reaching a point where it needed an overhaul. The female then died, I'm genuinely not sure why, and I've moved the tankmates on to someone with appropriate shoals for them.

Long story short, I've got a nice healthy adult male in a small tank on my desk, I've sourced a new female and the original tank (24"x12x15) is going to be ready for them in a couple of weeks.

I haven’t scaped or planted the tank yet, all the bits are pretty much just dumped in there in preparation (it's currently playing host to a juvenile newt).

So my questions are these (assuming that the main aim of the tank is to breed Nannacara anomala)

A. what sort of scape would be favourable?

B. Is there any sort of extra equipment that would be a good idea? (eg. I have an extra internal pump for generating gentle water flow at the bottom of the tank, is this a decent addition?)

C. would any kind of tank-mates be advised and if so what kind?

And finally is there anything else I should know?

 

[thereverendturtle]

A few pieces of bog wood, and some almond leaves. Maybe some floating plants to cut down on the light. No extra filter needed.
As for other tankmates, a small shoal of tetras, will make them more comfortable and better parents. No algae eaters or catfish, as they will eat eggs and fry.
Hope this helps.
The Rev

 

[Asp]

Thanks for the reply.

See, this is pretty much what they had in the past, save a few C. hasbrosus, could the eggs repeatedly not hatching have been to do with temp. ranges or something? The tank is normally about 24. PH fairly neutral.

 

[thereverendturtle]

Your water parameters seem fine. Could have been an infertile fish, or the parents could have just been eating the eggs, if they feel there is a threat they will often eat them. This allows them to regain energy to produce another batch of eggs quickly.