Breeding Tank Substrate

[Weiro792]

So I'm wanting to put sand in my breeding tank as I'm expecting some peacock gudgeon fry. Is this ok? Or should I use a bare bottom tank.

 

[fluttermoth]

Breeding tanks are best left bare bottomed, IMO.
 
It's almost inevitable that you'll overfeed (you have to really, as you want the fry to have plenty of food!) but you also want to keep the water in tip top condition, so a bare bottom makes it much easier to clean up any left overs.

 

[Weiro792]

So what should I cover the filter intake with?
 
Also, I was simply going to take some cycled filter media from my main tank and  put it in a smaller filter for my 5 gal. breeder.  Should this be ok?

 

[fluttermoth]

Coarse filter sponge is the best thing for covering intakes. It's coarse enough not to clog too quickly, but stops anyone getting sucked up Gives you a bit of extra filter media, and you'll often see fry eating the micro organisms growing on it, so it's useful source of food as well.
 
Yes, swapping media will work, but do keep a close on the ammonia/nitrite, just in case.

 

[Weiro792]

Thanks for the advice!