Apistogramma in a Community Tank ?

[NeoNik1843]

Hi All
I have a 118ltr tank with 6 - Albino Cherry Barbs 3 - Coryadoras 1 x Bristlenose Catfish
Would love to introduce either a pair or single Apistogramma
I have attached an image as i'm not sure if my set up is suitable or not.
Thanks
Nik

 

[MacZ]

1 x Bristlenose Catfish

That will not work. While there is no noteworthy aggression between those and dwarf cichlids, the catfish are usually at least partially nocturnal and the cichlids are strictly diurnal. Adding the common size difference, a pleco roaming through the tank at night is comparable with your neighbour taking a round with their car through your bedroom at night.

Additionally:
- If the temperature on the display in the picture is still the same, it's too cold.

- And the structure with all the rocks is great for Tanganyikan rockdwelling cichlids like Julidochromis and Neolamprologus species. The rocks you picked also make the water harder and raise pH. Not only do Apistos not like high pH and hard water, your other fish would also rather prefer soft water.

- The substrate is also probably too coarse.

All in all: Dwarf cichlids of any genus (there is more than Apistogramma) profit from tanks tailored to their needs and sadly often do not fit in existing setups. As is the case with your tank. Sorry.

Would love to introduce either a pair or single Apistogramma

And if an existing community tank fits the bill for these fish a single male is often the best option.

 

[NeoNik1843]

That will not work. While there is no noteworthy aggression between those and dwarf cichlids, the catfish are usually at least partially nocturnal and the cichlids are strictly diurnal. Adding the common size difference, a pleco roaming through the tank at night is comparable with your neighbour taking a round with their car through your bedroom at night.

Additionally:
- If the temperature on the display in the picture is still the same, it's too cold.

- And the structure with all the rocks is great for Tanganyikan rockdwelling cichlids like Julidochromis and Neolamprologus species. The rocks you picked also make the water harder and raise pH. Not only do Apistos not like high pH and hard water, your other fish would also rather prefer soft water.

- The substrate is also probably too coarse.

All in all: Dwarf cichlids of any genus (there is more than Apistogramma) profit from tanks tailored to their needs and sadly often do not fit in existing setups. As is the case with your tank. Sorry.


And if an existing community tank fits the bill for these fish a single male is often the best option.

Hi MacZ - thank you very much for your reply it is greatly appreciated

 

[NeoNik1843]

Hi MacZ - thank you very much for your reply it is greatly appreciated

ps Temp is now 24.8 degrees i had just filled the aquarium when picture was taken

 

[MacZ]

My pleasure, still I hope you're not disappointed.

 

[anewbie]

ps Temp is now 24.8 degrees i had just filled the aquarium when picture was taken

Be aware that you should do regular water changes and a sudden change in temperature when doing a water change can cause dwarf cichild to bloat and die. Just mentioning this since clearly the tap water is cooler than the tank water.

 

[MacZ]

and a sudden change in temperature when doing a water change can cause dwarf cichild to bloat and die.

Indirectly. It rather causes the fish to have a dip in their immune response and the doors are open for diseases and parasites.
Too cold waterchanges can also be harmful directl, causing something comparable to the diver's disease, causing gas bubbles to form in the tissue. But this kills more or less instantly if it occurs at all, it's very rare to happen.

 

[NeoNik1843]

Be aware that you should do regular water changes and a sudden change in temperature when doing a water change can cause dwarf cichild to bloat and die. Just mentioning this since clearly the tap water is cooler than the tank water.

Thank you very much for the advice - it is a brand new tank and that was literally day 1