FOr what size tank?
Males get kinda aggressive in mating season so that would cause problems for a trio. HE will even bully his mate during this time, protecting the eggs. I have raised them multiple times, a great pup fish to have.
I would probably go with a pair in the pond and they should do very well for you.
I have found breeding them isn't really a difficult. Before you know it, you will have lots of fry.