I always ‘blacked’ the back, bottom and sides of my killie tanks (black spraypaint on the outer glass). That, and gravel substrate too. I heard anecdotally that ‘flat black’ paint would make things look ‘gloss’ and vice-versa. Can’t confirm.

As for killie books, the beginner’s guide is still one of the best. If you can get ahold of "Success with Killifish" via Ruth Warner in the AKA BNL it’s pretty good, too. Steffen Hellner’s Killifish book published by Barron’s is o.k.. https://www.amazon.com/Killifish-Complete-Pet-Owners-Manual/dp/0812044754

Thank you, that’s just the kind of response I was fishing for. Yes ! The Warner book is most definitely something I want to acquire. The Wisconsin Killifish outfit has it available on their website. They also have available to read the first three chapters to tantalize you into buying it. Ten bucks postpaid. That’s a great deal.

Shazam ! I just now put black construction paper on the back and one side of my gardneri tank. The whole dynamic changed instantly. Very definite and apparent spawning behavior commenced almost immediately. Like turning on a switch. I’m flabbergasted ! The tank looks better too. Looks more like real underwater.

I am learning a little more every day. People are telling me things and so are the fish. I like to just sit and watch them. Sometimes my observations tell me things. Thank you to all both here and on the Killifish Lounge for your advice.

A little bit more than a new recruit now. Got my first two fry from my gardneri eggs today. December 11, 2019. 21 days to hatch. Onward and upward !

excellent!

And two more fry this morning. Dec. 14, 2019. Things are looking good. So much clears up when you actually do things with your own two hands.