CPD newbie with some questions…

[thegrandpoohbah]

I will be getting 6 tank bred CPD’s in a couple weeks. Hopefully 2 M and 4 F but we will have to wait and see. The plan is to put them in a planted Minibow 7. The tank is unheated and currently stays between 22-25C. The pH is 7.0 and the tank is fully cycled. There is a small piece of driftwood in there and the substrate is pool filter sand.

My two main questions: Is the tank set-up suitable and are CPD’s jumpers? I’m worried about the temperature swing between day and night. Also the tank is currently open topped, though I do have a canopy that I can put on it if need be. Any input would be appreciated.

[Crazedpuffer]

Welcome to the forum!
I would put a top on it just to be safe. I don’t believe CPD’s are jumpers but any fish that gets scared can jump out of a tank with ease. You will need some plants though. Java moss is very easy to keep and used for mating.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Thanks for the suggestions. The tank is currently planted with dwarf Saggitaria and floating Water Lettuce.

[ste12000]

Hi welcome to the forum.. I would certainly use a lid. I didnt always beleive it was neccesary until a male Ram cichlid decided to commit suicide about ten minutes after spawning with the female. I now keep all my breeding tanks covered when possible.
I would suggest lots and lots of plants covering all sides and back with a small area for viewing. I have 4 wild males and 6 tank bred females which are extremly shy and nervous when placed in any tank of less than 50litres. I keep them in a deep 140litre tank and they are not shy at all in this.
Here is a page about Myanmar(Burma) where the CPD’s come from…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar#Geography
They should be ok at these temperatures but to get them to spawn you may want to try raising the temp to the high 80’s (30c), i have had luck with this method but others on here dont really seem to use triggers and still breed them fine. Goodluck.

[Author]

Posts