I'm going to try the platinums too, the new one looks female, but it's still small so we'll see.
The platinum male was nudging Big Betty She wasn't into it though lol she's is definitely not ready (no eggs) but I just got in a bag of massivore so I'll be adding that to their diet and see what goes down.
Nah no pond needed, but live plants will help. I'm growing a bunch of sword plants in my tank right now, trying to get them established. So far they're doing okay.
I've got some ideas that might help me be successful