how many should i get?

[Mitch]

hi guys.
hopefully im getting a 3 foot tank with external canister filter if it hasnt already sold and im going to use it for breeding common bristlnoses.
how many should i put in there to breed?
i would like to put 3 in there. is this ok? they are about 10 cm long and i want to get 2 females amd 1 male. or would it be better to get 2 male and 2 females so then there are 2 possible pairs?
and do they breed if they are from the same bloodline?
thanks in advance
Mitch

 

[Joby]

Plenty room for 3 in there and I would go with 2 females and 1 male but could also try the 2 males and 2 females combo but sometimes the males are too busy defending territory to breed :wb:

They will breed no matter what their bloodlines, fish have no morals :whistle: but its best to try and get some mixed blood in there if you can. My breeding groups consist of at least 2 different sources :yes:

Good luck with your venture :thumbup:

 

[Mitch]

hello and thanks for your advice. hope this tank didnt sell!

 

[Mitch]

does anyone know how big a cave should be for a common B/N around 10 cm?

 

[littlebristlenose]

Most of my BN's tend to find the d shape type better than square/oval or round type's,but some will pick this type so placeing in a selection to start with will have the male pick the one he like's than remove the rest.( you find most L's like a tighter cave than too large in most case's as this assist's in trapping female and controling eggs fry easier for male )

Buying slighlty larger caves can be made smaller by placing inside a piece of cut plastic or stone depanding on what you have availble to cut with.( i have been thinking the main sellers to offer strips for there caves ( looked for a winking smiley so no luck wink wink ) when male gets larger remove insert/i have used old small bits of driftwood also!

A 2ft can be used as Trio tank but if leaving fry in tank go up to 3ft,a wider footprint small tank is better than height for breeding generally.

A 3ft can have a plastic insert placed in middle if you want 2 pair i find a trio has better results most times.( Trio 1 male ,2 female's if you didn't know )

 

[Irene0100]

I personally would not risk two adult males in same tank unless really have to. one male and one female is enough and reduces risk of fighting. if you really want 3 then have 2 females,

 

[816johnv]

I would personally go for a pair once they start breeding they will not stop and will breed every month, i have a trio of L144s and i am getting way to many fry and they dont grow fast enough to move on before the next batch of fry are out the cave.

at least with just a pair you should have a bit more time to grow the fry on before they spawn again