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