Julie Breeding Setup

[fishandcards]

So, am considering selling my 145 gallon (currently empty) to pay for setting up some smaller tanks to breed some fish.  Thinking of starting with Julies (transcriptus probably).

Is a 20 gallon long sufficient for breeding?  I am assuming the bast way to start would be to get 4 or 5 juvies and watch for a pair to form.

If the 20 gallon is not big enough, any thoughts what cichlids can be breed in a 20 (new or old world)?

[jcunningham0295]

A pair of julies are fine in a 20 long.  This is the tank size that I breed all my julies in.  See pic of my setup, these julies have around 80 fry in the tank right now.  Cave on each side and no issues.  You also breed other neolamps in a 20 long like buescheri, leleupi, and other shell dwellers too.

[GrizzlysDad]

FWIW, just be aware that wild caught J. transcriptus are VERY aggressive to their own. I have had 20+ of them wild caught in a 75g to get pairs to form and if you are not careful, they will kill off the lesser individuals.
Tank raised seem to become more easily adapted to pairing off procedures.

[fishandcards]

Interesting point about the aggressiveness.  Any suggestion on number to start with to get a pair?

[GrizzlysDad]

Interesting point about the aggressiveness.  Any suggestion on number to start with to get a pair?

I've always done 12 or more but being that I can order wholesale price is less of an opening factor.

[jcunningham0295]

I have had a lot of success with 8, with two caves you will see who pairs off and then move the others out.  I have a nice group of julie transcripts zambian variant, fry are over 1" if you are interested in any.

[GrizzlysDad]

I can see if my friend has any available right now. I'm in White Lake right next door to you in Waterford 

[fishandcards]

I am going to need a month or so.....need to sell the 145 and buy the 20 gallon etc.

I would actually like to try to get the group from multiple places since I am going to be breeding them (hopefully for sale).

[GrizzlysDad]

I am going to need a month or so.....need to sell the 145 and buy the 20 gallon etc.

I would actually like to try to get the group from multiple places since I am going to be breeding them (hopefully for sale).

That's cool. I have several sources and also Josh's fish would give variety to the genetics.