Breeding sailfin gibby, need info please

[md1017]

Hi guys

I am interested in breeding sailfin gibbicep. I have about 2000 liter unused fish pond that I can use. My questions are:
1. I am planning on using sand as substrate (about 10 cm thick) and put 10-15 cm diameter pvc pipe as breeding cave. Is this doable?
2. I live in Melbourne where winter temperature is not as cold as those in europe or north America. (coldest is about 3 degree celcius but averaging on 11-13). Would the pleco survive in winter if I put them in the pond?
3. Would it be enough to have only 1 female and 1 male? I am planning to do this as a side business so I won't try to breed in big scale.
4. Should I use uv sterilizer for my pond or let the algae build as the pleco eats algae.
5. I actually prefer to breed them in an aquarium. Less hassle. Is this doable? If yes, what size? Should I put some light or leave it dark?

 

[matubula]

I have no experience breeding any plecos btw. I think most 'common' plecs are commercially bred in Asia in mud ponds, they are cave/burrow spawners too I think.

1. 10cm deep substrate is probably a bit too deep and likely to go anaerobic. If you have pipes in the substrate they are very likely to filled with sand, which could have positive or negative effects. Positive being the plecs will like to dig out the cave and spawn or they cant dig it out and it stays blocked.

2. For the winter you will need a heater, I doubt they can tolerate them temps for a prolonged periods of time.

3. Sexing them will quite hard and you are more likely to have male and females if you have a group.

4. I wouldnt use a UV, let the algae grow, much more natural diet.

5. Your big pond would be more likely to get them breeding.

 

[Warborg]

Matubula already said it. Sailfin's need mud ponds to dig holes for breeding. Sand would be a bad idea

 

[md1017]

Matubula already said it. Sailfin's need mud ponds to dig holes for breeding. Sand would be a bad idea

agreed. So I think artificial mud will be my only option. Is there such thing as artificial mud?

 

[matubula]

Theres real mud