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What's the best water flow setup for a breeding tank? Got a 40 gallon with a pair, sponge filter on low, but they seem stressed when the flow's too high. Wondering if I should cut it completely or just tweak it.

Sponge filters are solid for breeding tanks, but flow matters. I run mine at 50% in a 55 gallon, with a pre-filter sponge to diffuse it. They're sensitive to strong currents, so keep it gentle. What's your water change routine? That can affect their stress levels too.

Lavent wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 2:43 pm What's the best water flow setup for a breeding tank? Got a 40 gallon with a pair, sponge filter on low, but they seem stressed when the flow's too high. Wondering if I should cut it completely or just tweak it.

Yo, I'd dial it down to barely a trickle. Mine spawn way more when the water's almost still. Also, check your temp—keep it at 84–86°F for breeding. They're picky like that.

Agree with angelus on the flow. I use air-driven sponges with a valve to adjust. Less flow = happier fish. Also, what's your substrate? Bare bottom's easier for breeding, but if you've got sand, make sure it's fine-grained. They'll sift through it.

Flow's gotta be minimal, like barely moving. I've bred dozens of pairs, and high flow messes with their spawning behavior. Also, keep the lights dim—they're less skittish that way. What's your tank's pH? Stable params are key.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna tweak the flow way down and see how they react. pH is steady at 6.8, temp at 85°F. Bare bottom tank, no substrate. Appreciate the help!

TankWarrior wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 7:13 pm Flow's gotta be minimal, like barely moving. I've bred dozens of pairs, and high flow messes with their spawning behavior. Also, keep the lights dim—they're less skittish that way. What's your tank's pH? Stable params are key.

Spot on. I'd add that a black background helps too—reduces reflections and stress. How often are you doing water changes? Frequent small changes can keep things stable without shocking them.

Yep, low flow's the way to go. I've got a pair in a 30 gallon with a sponge filter barely bubbling. They're chill now, spawning every few weeks. Also, what're you feeding? Live food like blackworms can boost their breeding mood.

Same here, almost no flow. They're way more relaxed. Also, make sure your tank's in a quiet spot—mine hated being near the door where people walk by all the time. Moved 'em to a corner, and bam, eggs everywhere.

I keep my flow super low too. Not much else to add, but it works. Good luck with yours.