Breeding the bleeding heart tetra

1. 1
   Breeding tank: 40 L · about 50 × 25 × 30 cm, 40–60 L from the breeding guide
2. 2
   Sponge filter and air pump · gentle and safe for eggs and fry
3. 3
   Heater, 22–28 °C · this species' normal range
4. 4
   Spawning mop · named in the guide
5. 5
   Plants for cover · named in the guide
6. 6
   Dim light, covered sides · from the guide

Water: 22–28 °C · pH 5.5–7.5 · soft water

A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 6.1 cm. Tank shape is a standard 2 : 1 : 1.2 box, at least 6 adult lengths long. Check each step in the guide above.

1. 1
   2 breeding tanks, 40 L each · about 50 × 25 × 30 cm, set up like the home tank
2. 2
   2 grow-out tanks, 81 L each · about 65 × 30 × 40 cm; twice the breeding tank, never smaller than this species' smallest tank
3. 3
   Shared air pump and air line · one line along each shelf feeds a sponge filter in every tank
4. 4
   Heat the room or each tank · 22–28 °C

In total: 4 tanks, about 242 L of water. A litre of water weighs about 1 kg, so check that the floor and rack can take the weight.

Sizes are worked out from the breeding tank in the guide. Tanks fit a standard 120 cm rack when they can; bigger tanks go on their own stands.