Dither fish for Apisto breeding tank?

[twotone12valve]

I'm going to be setting up a 20 long for my Apisto trio, and I have been wondering what I should use as a dither fish for the three. I've been thinking of a school of Celestial Pearl Danios, or tetras of some type, but from what I've been researching they are not a dither fish but a guide used to show the waters are safe. So what have you guys used for dither fish and are they necessary if the tank is set up with appropriate hiding places?

[Crazygar]

For a strict breeding tank, avoid the Dithers. Tetras (larger and smaller) will dive bomb the fry giving Mom and Dad a rough go and really limit your yield of surviving fry. Best advice, keep it shrimp, snail and dither fish free.

Gary

[ScottFish]

Also, CPDs are pretty small; end up expensive Apisto snacks!

[twotone12valve]

Really? Ok thanks thats what I was afraid of, so Apisto's are good parents I take it? When left to raise fry alone.

[Crazygar]

You'll have a few times where they will eat the eggs... it's to be expected, once they get the hang of it and realize, you'll have Apisto Fry coming out everywhere. Ensure you use a Sponge Filter in the breeding tank.

Gary

[twotone12valve]

I had planned on using a spong filter, if needed in the tank. Have have a fairly larges double sponge filter I can use. What are your thoughts on covering the intake of a HOB filter with a sponge? I would prefer to do that if I can.

[Schmidtsie]

I use the Fluval Edge Pre-Filter Sponge on the intakes of all my AquaClear 20 and 50 Filters with great success with both shrimp and fry in the tanks. You can usually pick them up for a couple bucks or less.
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Schmidtsie
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[lou zello]

i agree with everyone,NO dither fish and sponge on intakes.

[twotone12valve]

Right on, that's the plan than, Apisto only tank I think I'll shoot for a bio type tank with the exception of a few live plants.

[Crazygar]

For breeding purposes you want to keep it as simple as possible. Remember, keeping the tank clean is the important factor. Depending on the type of breeder (Open or Cave) you want to provide the proper environment.

Gary

[twotone12valve]

Well I don't plan on it being a 100% breeding tank. I would run it bare bottom and simple if that were the case, but its going to be out in the open for everyone to see so I need to make it look good. So my plan is to focus on getting a close to bio type tank set up that will yield fry, without any fish making it harder on the Apisto's. So I had planned a shoal of Otto's some CRS and the Apisto's I'll call it good with that.

[twotone12valve]

Awesome news both Apisto females are guarding eggs, bad news is I haven't gottin the chance to move them. So they own the 125gal yet again. I hope some of the young live this time, its dought full thought.