To Dither or Not To Dither?

[benzjamin13]

A co-worker is giving me a 75g tank and stand. I'm tempted on making it a planted small fish community or a couple of Breeding Convicts to pump out some feeders. I've had problems with the male killing the female before. It was in a smaller tank (20g), but now that I'm getting this...should I get some dither fish to spread the aggression to other fish or will the tank be good enough for the female to get away?

 

[santoury]

I've never heard of convicts killing their mates - interesting.

Dithers would simply eat the fry... and they would be able to get away with it.

I suggest trying to let some convicts choose their own mate, and they should be good for life. No dithers. Just lots of rock/woodwork, and you should be good to go.
I would not "waste" a nice tank on feeder production. Use the 20 gallon for that.

A 75 planted community sounds awesome!

 

[Tongue33]

I have had females kill males in 20's.. But in a 75 I think it would be very difficult provided there were a few holes that the male could not follow the female into..

To add.. If it were me I would venture into 2 pairs... Maybe 3.. Pushin it but I've seen Convict communities in smaller and successful ..

Once the factory beginss int hat tank you will defenately not need any DITHERS

 

[Nova 8]

I agree, no need for dithers as they are usually fast and will just eat fry. I would try atleast 2 pairs in a tank that size, if you have lots of driftwood/rocks 3 should be fine.