Today I have finalised the setting up of my Nano tank to host the breeding pair and following that the male with the fry. I planted more Sagittaria Subulata on the background since it's a tall plant and curves nicely on the water surface. This will provide an optional area for the male to build his bubble nest in. Some breeders claim that half a styrofoam cup works best, however I prefer not to use that method since I want to be able to see the eggs in the bubble nest and closely monitor them. I also added other water floating plants, and a Katapang leaf for water optimisation. The more plants there is, the more infusoria for the fry to eat in their first teeny weeny stages of life.

Both the male and the female are Black Green Lace Half Moon Plakats.

They are F3 of the following parents:
Male - Black Green Dragon OHMPK (Over Half Moon)
Female - Black Green Lace HMPK

The breeding pair are the following:

Black Green Lace HMPK Male

Black Green Lace HMPK Female

The water level in the tank will be reduced to match the water level of the glass flute in which the female will be hosted on Thursday. They will be left seperated until Friday, supposedly enough time for the male to start building or almost completely build the bubble nest. This varies as some males are also noticed to build the bubble nest during the actual courting and spawning process. On Friday the female will be released and the pair given enough time, closely monitored until the breeding process is finished, after which the female is then removed.

I am looking very forward to this project, and actually should be getting my head into sorting out what to expect as outcome concerning finnage and colour.

I shall keep posting updates on this thread while wishing for a successful outcome.

P.s. Apologies for the photo of the female which is not so nice and professional.

Leave the air switched off, until the fry are free swimming.

Yes infact the female is bulging full with eggs right now, and she has the white spot under her belly showing very prominently (if I'm not mistaken that is a lodged egg).

The filtration system will be switched off until fry are big enough to sustain the flow of water.

Thanks for your suggestions.

VERA

Keeping such a project as a journal will not only serve the purpose of further reference for others but will also keep me on track on proceedings and whatever is needed to be done.

So on Thursday, I'll officially announce the first AM HMPK Spawning Project (quoting gabs)with a drumroll he he :)

My halfmoons are getting bratty with the treats they are getting right now :). The female is looking as if her belly will explode with eggs anytime soon. Condition wise, they are both ready and healthy so I am looking very much forward to Thursday!

Thanks again

Finally the HMPK Breeding attempt is on and running.

Water was lowered to 15-20cm in depth and the air pump switched off. I have introduced the female in the tank today. At first it was planned to leave her in a glass flute for at least a few hours however unfortunately the glass flute did not fit in my tank due to the bogwood and plants. Considering the many hiding places which offer the female ample hideouts to rest and hide from the male, I decided to let her go free.

The female immediately displayed vertical lines all along her body which is a good sign of her wanting to breed and the male started his showing off at once. It was a very positive first reaction, not too agressive. After some time the female retired to hiding behind the Katapang leaf. I did not have time to stay watching whether he did eventually start building the bubble nest and look very much forward to check on them again and see how they are doing later on today.

More updates to follow!