Help with breeding peppermints plz

Hi everyone, i have looked through the post and i need alittle advice. I have collected 11 adult peps, all breeding size 13cm +
There all in a 4ft tank which holds 195L, but i was told to drop the water level a quater so its 136L. There are 5 males and 6 females, all the males are in there cave . Theres one pair showing interest but the male keeps blocking her from entering the cave.

Is there too many males ???? Has anyone got any advice ???

PH - 7.0
nitrate and nitirite - 0.0
Temp - 24'C

Tank has black gravel 2mm high, with driftwood and 5 caves. 1 x eheim 2213 and a internal filter with oxegen, so plenty of air, and a sponge filter.

i can half the tank with a divider and have trios ??? or pairs ??? So any advice would be gratefull.

Thanks

I would sugest 1.5-2ft per male so you have 2 males too many You can put in a divider or 2 its up to you. Personally i like the look of all my catties getting together & swimming around the full 4ft of space

Is it possible you can get another 3 or 4fter to put the other 2 males & their mates?

You can raise the water level if you like, I have mine full to an inch from the top & i prefer the "full tank look"


Also maybe add another 2-3 caves. this will help prevent any fights or arguments over space.

Good luck

I have 2 x 2ft tanks they are 56L ??? so i can leave to trios in the 4 ft and put a pair each in the 2 ft ????

Do u have any suggestions why the male wont let the feamle in the cave ???

That should be fine just keep an eye on parameters & keep on top of water changes

the males will block the females out of the caves while they are getting them clean & ready for the females to lay eggs... "doing the housework" as my hubby says LOL

He will let them inside in about a week or so. Keep an eye on your local synoptic weather charts & as a Low pressure system comes accross your area, do a 40% water change with cold water and let the heaters stay turned off for about 6hrs then let them come back on. I have done this twice now and within 24hrs both times i have had my ladies spawn

Hope that helps ;D

Thank you very much for the advice will keep evryone posted.

what trios should i keep e.g the largest male with the largest female ???? i got 1 active pair ??? Any ideas??

there is not much science when it comes to creating trios. Especially when we dont know the fish
have a stab and see if they reward you. remember moving fish can be a great trigger to spawn so get to worried about it all