Certain fish not breeding

[Hobbiest]

Years ago I purchased a colony of 22 Pseudotropheues Zebra BB Nkhata Bay adults. I put them in a 90 with several inches of brand new crushed coral and I waited forever for them to breed. I did not push or worry too much because they were beautiful fish and I was happy to keep them. It is just odd to me as they are prolific breeeders and would not spawn for me. I would understand more if it were some hard to breed species but not on Nkhata Bays. Any thoughts on what to do when owning a species known for prolific breeding that will not spawn?

[fishman]

We had a speaker a couple years ago. He was from Ohio and I cannot remember his name, but he and a number of others had the problem of fish not spawning. He started pre filtering his water though a carbon filter. This solved the problem and his fish started spawning again. He suggested going to Home Depot and getting one.

[Hobbiest]

Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00523AMBC/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?qid=1457361242&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=carbon+water+filter#productDescription_secondary_view_div_1457361285311

[fishman]

Yes, you may wish check out HD for price.

[Hobbiest]

Obviously you visitor to the meeting had some experience and success with his solution. I also wonder if it might be possible that color of substrate could be the issue. With my Broad Bar Zebras I had 5 inches of crushed coral in a 90. In my current 90 I have about that. Now some fish are breeding. My Elongatus however are just trying to breed. The male is. I wonder if adding darker substrate might help.

[fishman]

  It comes down to your water. I use carbon pre-filtered water with all my fry. Delores Shehr told me to move my fish to another tank if they were ready, but not spawning. Changing The substrate may make a difference, I don't know, but it may be worth a try.  Be persistent and you will succeed.

[Hobbiest]

Thanks fishman.