Good idea on backup tank! I have an identical tank ready to go so why not? I just had BG spawns in both of my ponds so I may try to get some YOY fry for the second tank and get them on aquamax fry powder as early as possibe. I ponder those and other questions myself.
For instance, if I ended up with a solo female would lack of breeding cause her harm? I read somewhere that a BG will die if not induced to lay eggs. Not sure if that is true.