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Considering zebs spend most of their time in caves hiding, could I put some panda corys(6) and shrimp(5) in there to help keep the place clean, keeping in mind that the tank set-up is based on the zebs?

Also, would I be able to use construction sand as a substrat. The sand is a mixture of fine particals to about 5mm in diametre.

Cories love eating fish eggs whenever they get the chance; I used to lose a lot of my Apisto and Ram eggs whenever I kept them with Cories.

As for shrimp; I don't see any harm. The only shrimp I wouldn't use is Amano shrimp, for they are pretty brave and won't hesitate to steal food away from Zebra's. I keep my two juveniles with Cherry shrimp and they coexist rather well. The Cherries pick up the left overs and always stay clear of the Zebras.

Good luck with breeding!