Abacaxis Tank set up

[Skerb]

Hi all from Australia,

I am relatively new to Apistogramma and have successfully bred Agazissii and am looking at another type. I have managed to track down some Abacaxis which I will receive in February.

Does anyone have any knowledge that they would like to share to help set up my tank.

My priorities are to ensure general health and wellbeing and successful breeding of the fish.

They will be in a 3 foot tank and the PH will be about 5.4 to 6.

Would I be more successful with a pair or a trio in a 3 foot tank or would this be a recipe for disaster?

It will have a pool sand base which has silica content, plenty of driftwood and plants and filtered over peat. I already have a few caves ready to go in and plenty of dried leaves. Filtration will be via a side drop filter providing a slow but steady low flow rate..

Does anyone have any recommendations for dither fish which will not predate on fry? Do I need dither fish? I have cherry shrimp in with my Agazissii's which seem to do the job .

If anyone has any constructive criticism of what I am proposing or can give some advise for this species I would welcome it.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mike Wise]

In a 3 foot long tank a trio should work fine if it's properly laid out. I successfully reproduced mine in a 20L at pH 5.5 with extremely soft, peat treated water.

 

[Skerb]

Thanks Mike,

They will have plenty of cover.

Would you recommend dither fish? If so what species would not predate on the fry?

 

[Mike Wise]

You should do a search here re: dithers.

 

[Skerb]

Thanks Mike all researched and decision made