Another troph question

[Austy16414]

Back again. This isn't my first time keeping tropheus, but it is my first attempt at breeding. I've got 18 adults in my 55, which was set up with four pieces of schist rock to separate territories, but they really only care to mate in one spot on the far left side behind one of the rocks. I've noticed a lot of dancing, but it's often broken up by other interested males. So last night I took out all of the rock and everyone seemed much happier with the extra space. I was planning on using my lace rock to make two or three caves, but fear that one male might take over all the spots due to the fact that they're in a 55 for the moment. Should I leave the tank bare boned, add the lace rock caves, or just put a few small piles of my black star rock? Thanks for any ideas you can offer.

[moganman]

Leave the fish alone. You're gonna stress them and bloat them by trying to force them to breed. Often times the females do the T position as a sign of submission and to establish hierarchy. If a male wants to breed he will chase the other fish away to get it done. But if I get a new colony I start with no rock or minimal rock then add rock maybe a week later. I try to stack my rock so that the breeding fish are completely out of sight. This is accomplished with flower pots and tall rocks.

[Austy16414]

I took the rocks out because one male claimed all the spots and he was being super aggressive, he calmed down after I removed the rocks. I'm gonna keep the tank bare for a couple weeks and slowly add some rock work. I honestly don't care if they breed, as long as they thrive, but they were breeding before I got them so I'd like to keep it that way. Might have to invest in some pots. Thanks Josiah

[supadave]

How long have you had this group ? Prior to you owning them.....were they in a larger tank ? You do realize that once you move Tropheus from one tank to another that breeding may be effected . Especially if your going from one extreme to the other . Meaning going from big to small or vice versa. There will usually be more aggression due to the Trophs re-establishing hierarchy . Until the hierarchy is established. ..breeding will usually suffer . Re-establishing of the hierarchy can take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks ..to several months . Your tank may take awhile due to the lack of real estate . My advice would be to do as Moganman suggested and just let the fish settle in and establish themselves . If you keep changing things....they will never get settled and/or established.

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[Austy16414]

Yes of course. I'm not trying to spark anything immediately, these are more long term questions. The tank size was split in half, but they are also with about 30 less fish than before. I am no rush, so I will just let it be and they can establish a hierarchy on their own. Thanks for the info.

[Ogrodii]

Leave the fish alone. You're gonna stress them and bloat them by trying to force them to breed.

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