good water.. lots of places to hide (plants.. java moss is great).. sponge or pantyhoes over the suck tube for the filter.. food.. lots of females few males..
and unless you have super eyes the best way to see the youngins is to turn off the lights and use a flashlight... the lil suckers are almost impossible to see
honestly i couldnt really tell you.. my heaters kick on at about 76 and i float ice at 86... anywhere in between has worked so far for me.. ive never "tried" to breed them they just do it on their own...