Sorry to hear about the bad luck. I started breeding anabantoids this winter, and it was definantly a nice branch away from cichlids.
I can lend you a few helping hint though. From what I have learned (trial and error) and what other breeders have told me, it is easiest just to let them breed in a rubbermade tub. Sounds cookey, but I have done so in the past with dwarf gouramis. The key is no filtration to disturb the water, some say that a heater is unnecessary, and something for the male to make a nest in. The nest can be live anacharis, a styrofoam cup, or a fake plant. I like to use a fake plastic plant that looks like hornwort. You want to keep the lid of the tub on it. It helps them grow the labyrinth organ.
It is also a good idea to keep the male and female seperate while conditioning them. You will want to put the female into the breeding tank first, put in a divider, then add the male. If all goes well in a few days you can take out the divider and there will be chemistry.
Just make sure to take out the female after eggs are laid, and then the father after they hatch. You will want to check that with a flashlight. The fry are very very tiny.