[gaqua]

I've got a 75G tank with the following denizens:
-7 Pseudotropheus Acei (3-4")
-10 Pseudotropheus Demasoni (2-3")
-4 Pseudotropheus Elongatus "Orange Sunburst" (2.5-4")
-3 Rustys (2")
-3-4 juvenile male peacocks that will eventually go into a larger tank.

Catfish:
-4 Multipunctatus (4")
-6 Petricola (1.5-2") (will remove some as they get larger)
-3 BN Pleco

When I first got these fish about two months ago, the Demasoni and Rustys both spawned within the first two weeks. Since then, nobody's spawned. There've been some changes in rockwork, but the rockwork has added a few more caves and made the tank much easier to clean at the same time. Also, I swapped out 6x Albino red-top Zebras for the Elongatus.

There used to be 15 Demasoni but the dominant male killed 4-5 of them I believe. So far, there's no significant aggression and there's no real concern for that, but there seems to be no spawning, either. My Acei have never spawned, my elongatus (1M 3F) don't even pay attention when they male does his dance. The Demasoni male does his dance every so often, as well, but we get no action there, either.

I do about a 30% water change every week, my nitrites and ammonia are at 0 and nitrates are always below 20.

PH is 8-8.2 range.

All I can think of is that they just aren't interested in spawning because there's much more activity than they are used to. That, or the catfish interrupt it whenever they get a chance.

Thoughts?

 

[Sick-Lid-4-Life]

I found that after adding trace elements to my tank my cichlids started to spawn. I'm not sure if it was just coincidence or not.

 

[gaqua]

I found that after adding trace elements to my tank my cichlids started to spawn. I'm not sure if it was just coincidence or not.

What do you mean "trace elements"?

 

[Dewdrop]

I don't know if it would mess up your balance of things (like nitrates) by doing a bigger water change or not. I need to do 50% water changes and sometimes bigger. I've noticed that after a large water change with slightly (very slightly) cooler water, my fish get fiskey. I hold my open hand palm up over the water (a plate would do the same thing) and pour the fresh water onto it so it spashes the top of the tank water like rain would do. This kinda simulates a rain which is said to bring on spawning. It's worked for me.

Maybe "trace elements" are what is found in those riff lake salts you can buy. I don't know for sure though. I don't add anything like that.

 

[cichlidaholic]

In the big scheme of things, your demasoni and Rusties would be the first two fish to spawn...Rusties tend to spawn at a younger age and size than any regular sized mbuna I've ever kept, and demasoni spawn at a small size because they are dwarf.

It may just be that they are just coming of age and reaching maturity - spawns are fewer and further between with young ones.

It's also possible that you lost your female demasoni that were of spawning age...

Anytime you have a relatively new set up or make changes to a tank, it can take them time to adjust.

Dewdrop, you make me laugh! I can't even respond to your simulated rain... :lol:

 

[why_spyder]

I've found that starving the fish helps. :-?

Sounds bad when I put it that way - let me say fasting my fish. :lol:

I do waterchange about every 2-3 days right now, and stop feeding them for 2-3 days. All the males are at the top of their game - and really display for the girls. After a couple of days of fasting, I'll go back to feeding them once a day for a couple of days. I repeat this process, and it seems to have helped with "inducing" spawns and also keeping the water/gravel clean.

 

[gaqua]

In the big scheme of things, your demasoni and Rusties would be the first two fish to spawn...Rusties tend to spawn at a younger age and size than any regular sized mbuna I've ever kept, and demasoni spawn at a small size because they are dwarf.

It may just be that they are just coming of age and reaching maturity - spawns are fewer and further between with young ones.

It's also possible that you lost your female demasoni that were of spawning age...

I guess that's possible. The other thing is that it's gotten significantly hotter lately...the water in my tank is 82-84 degrees F normally. I guess I could turn off the heater altogether and see if it helps?

Is it better to have water around 76-78 or 82-84 for spawning?

 

[gbleeker]

I've found water changes induced my fish in the past to spawn... I think it was slightly warmer water added.

 

[Gibbs]

I agree with why_spyder.
I fast my Elongatus for about 3 or 4 days, keeping up with water changes before during and after this period. After a couple of days i notice that the females bellies become very swollen looking and there little vent thingy begins to protrude. When it is showing alot i might feed them which helps the process along and a water change is vital. During this whole time my male pretty much does nothing but court the female and builds his pit.
If you over feed your fish they will not spawn. Atleast thats what i have noticed :thumb:

 

[why_spyder]

If you over feed your fish they will not spawn. Atleast thats what i have noticed :thumb:

When I was feeding my fish everyday, and doing regular waterchanges, I could only get a few of the "easier" species to spawn.

Since I've cut back feeding, I've actually had more of my stubborn species spawn. My Lab. chisumluae were on a 6 - 8 month dry spell, now I have three females holding within two weeks time. Plus my one wild pair of Cyno.'s spawned for the second time in over 2 years! (she swallowed/spit, but I stressed her by accident - I think they'll try again, the signs are there )

 

[Gibbs]

When I was feeding my fish everyday, and doing regular waterchanges, I could only get a few of the "easier" species to spawn.

Since I've cut back feeding, I've actually had more of my stubborn species spawn. My Lab. chisumluae were on a 6 - 8 month dry spell, now I have three females holding within two weeks time. Plus my one wild pair of Cyno.'s spawned for the second time in over 2 years! (she swallowed/spit, but I stressed her by accident - I think they'll try again, the signs are there )

I works for me. I actually read your post not long ago about your wild Cyno's breeding which gave me the idea of fasting my fish to encourage breeding.....Good advice :thumb:

Hopefully your guys will get it on again

 

[gaqua]

Well I think I'll start fasting them tomorrow. I've got a Rusty holding right now I just noticed, she wasn't holding yesterday.

My water changes are more than good enough as my nitrates are almost always zero or near enough to it, so I'm sure the water quality is good.

I will see what happens if I don't feed them until Monday morning. Maybe they'll spawn over the weekend here.

 

[Gibbs]

Good news for you :thumb:

I got home today to find another Elongatus female holding. That's 2 in 3 days and they are both my larger females.

 

[Afrowanksta]

Put on some Barry White and dim the lights.
Also, give them some privacy you perv.

 

[why_spyder]

Good news to all of the spawns! :thumb: