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My first post...my first cichlids.

c.liverbird

New Member
Messages
7
Hi...first post!
Got a beautiful pair of apistogramma hongsloi today and thought I'd share them with you!
I've housed them with 3x leopard danios. 3x pearl danios. 4x dwarf neon rainbow fish...and will be getting two Ottos in a couple of weeks.
Any tips appreciated.
uploadfromtaptalk1409507201810.jpg
 

merlin

Member
5 Year Member
Messages
210
Location
Dundee,Scotland
They should be ok with that mix, but the gravel your using is not ideal. Apistogramma are earth sifters, they filter the substrate through their mouths looking for food. That of course will not be possible with gravel.
 

c.liverbird

New Member
Messages
7
Ahhh ok.. I have noticed them picking through the substrate and spitting bits of gravel out...They are finding the pellet, I've put in for them so seems ok for now..so wil krep an eye on that. Thankyou :-D
will be getting them some live or frozen food too to supplement...blood worms or something....will look into it properly. Thanks xx
 

gerald

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Messages
1,491
Location
Wake Forest NC, USA
I would add some darker colored sand to help make their colors brighter, as well as allowing them to sift sand through their gill rakers. (Some folks think this may have health benefits). Apistos (and many other fish) tend to stay pale over light-colored sand or gravel. You dont need to remove the gravel unless you want to; just add enough sand to fill in the gaps and cover the gravel.
 

c.liverbird

New Member
Messages
7
So I could essentially just add the sand from the bag? Sorry if thats a dumb question. ....Do you need to treat it like I did the gravel? Washing it first?
 

gerald

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Messages
1,491
Location
Wake Forest NC, USA
Depends on the source and how dusty it is, but yes, I normally rinse new sand in tub or bucket to remove floating materials and fine particles that dont sink quickly. Do it outside with a hose so you dont get sand in your drain pipes.
 

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