Help inducing male to spawn...

[snytiger_92]

I have a heavily planted 30-gallon tank. Water parameters:

pH: 6.4-7.0 (depending on the CO2 at any given time)
KH: 2-3
GH: 2-3
NitrAtes: 7-13
NitrItes: 0
Ammonia: 0
PO4: 1-2

I am having a terribly difficult time getting the male to be interested in the females. I have two females and a male. The male is about an 1 3/4" and the females about 2/3 his size.

My questions: Are they too young to spawn (even though the females both act like they are interested)? How do I condition the male to spawn if he is old enough?

Thanks!

 

[blueblue]

Hi snytiger_92 ^.^

May i know which species are you keeping?

 

[snytiger_92]

Oops! I forgot to let you guys know what I have!

Apistogramma Cacatuoides

Sorry :redface:

 

[mooman]

They sound a little on the small side. Give them some time. I've never heard of cacatuoides not spawning once mature. You could try what others do for tricky species and do a large water change using water that is slightly cooler and softer than whats in the tank (simulates the start of the rainy season). As far as conditioning, I feed a quality dry food in the morning, and rotate between mysis, bloodworms, and whiteworms in the evenings.

 

[Griz]

I'm pretty sure they just need a bit more time. Mine breed like rabbits.

Water changes as suggested, a bit more peat and frequent frozen food seems to turn them on a bit more, if that's even possible.

 

[snytiger_92]

Cool: I thought I might be a little impatient here. I'll post again when something happens!
:biggrin: