Next up on the Bachelor: My male GBR!

[Fish from Filly]

Hey everyone,
So my tank has been up and running with the current stock for a few months now and I think I finally got this water change and feeding thing down! :)

I currently have a male GBR and would love to get him a mate. I've seen pictures of GBRs that are much more colorful than mine and I was told by my lfs that he would gain color when females are introduced (so long as water and food quality are excellent). I had 2 other females at one point but they were constantly being harassed by the male and by my other 2 apistos. The lfs said it would be best to establish the pair in their own tank before introducing them to main tank.

Please comment if you feel revisions need to be made to my plan:

1. Set up my 10 gallon quarantine tank so that it is cycled
2. Add 3 female GBR and monitor for 3-4 weeks
3. Once established everyone is OK, add the male GBR from my main tank and let the courtship begin
4. Once a pair is determined, return the 2 females back to lfs (or find someone to accept them)

My questions:
1. Should I set up the 10 gallon with gravel and hiding spots?
2. How long before I notice the male and 1 of 3 females are "paired?"


Thanks so much for your help!

[Fish from Filly]

Also - I plan on using water from main tank to fill up the 10 gallon so PH matches. It is currently 6.5 with driftwood. Upon transferring the mated pair back to the main tank, I will of course check parameters and acclimate accordingly.

[homemadepopcorn]

10g is a little small for what you're planning. I'd say 20g minimum, 30 would be better. But then again, 150 but be better than all of those.

After they've made a pair, you can add the two other females into the main tank provided you have the space.

[Fish from Filly]

Just to clarify - my intent is to have a mated pair in my current 55 gallon (currently have 1 male). The 10 gallon is temporary housing to establish the pair.

When I first bought them, I had 2 females and 1 male and both females died - probably from being bullied by the male and the apistos. I think the main tank can house the pair of GBR and the 1 male apisto but probably will not be adding any more cichlids - at least not yet.

[ameliaaahx]

Although your plan sounds good, I don't think 10g is big enough -- there is bound to be some aggression and chasing involved in the courtship, etc. I just don't think a 10g gives enough space. The male will be chasing the females and they won't have room to escape.

[Gogi]

I also think the 10 gallon is to small. I dont think courting will take place in a tight spot. How about you place all the GBRs in the big tank and temporarily hold the apisto in the 10 gallon until a pair is established. Since you are get 3 females this time i think they will fair better in the big tank with the apisto.

[Fish from Filly]

Good idea but with all of the plants, it is almost impossible to catch the guys! My Dad has a larger tank and I may borrow that instead of the 10. Thanks for the help guys!