Apistos for 55 gallon

[Glimmer]

Hi Everyone!

I will be perfectly honest when I say that I have only ever seen one apisto in person and I was not impressed with it. I think much of that was due to the conditions it was being kept in though. I have, however, been looking online at various pictures and really like the way they look.

I am currently re-doing my 55 gallon tank that currently houses African cichlids. I will keep the sand substrate but will be putting driftwood into the tank as well as various plants once the lighting is upgraded. I figure these will help to serve as boundary lines as well as contribute to the environment.

I am wondering if someone can offer me some guidance into the apisto world. My current plan is to have approx 20 cardinal tetras, start with 6 German blue rams and hopefully have one pair (possibly two or perhaps 2 additional females in the tank). I was thinking that perhaps 1 or maybe 2 harems of apistos might be nice. I have read that usually the females claim a territory and then the male will work to guard the territories around them. I dont know how large of a territory they claim though. Do they tend to stay primarily on the bottom or will they swim around the tank as well? I imagine that if they stick around the bottom I will be limited to one harem because of the GBRs. harems. Are there some species that are better than others?

Are there any larger fish that you guys could suggest that might work to help fill in the tank but will not conflict with the apistos? I really like Keyholes but can not find them locally or even online not to mention that would be another fish that primarily claims and protects a bottom portion of the tank.

 

[curviceps]

hi Glimmer, regarding the sand subtrate - what kind of sand is it? Since the tank is currently used for african cichlids, does the sand act as a buffer for high pH? Apistogramma like soft, acidic water, so the sand must be inert, eg silica sand.

Regarding larger cichlids, I found that laetacara curviceps, while still considered a dwarf cichlid, is quite a good size and got on well with my apistos... except when spawning - better to stick with surface dwelling fish.

 

[Mike Wise]

For larger surface dwelling fish, I'd suggest dwarf gouramies and some of the larger hatchetfish. If you can find them, I imagine that Blue Gularis will not bother apistos.

 

[Glimmer]

It is just normal pool filter sand. I buffer the water for the Africans because my water is softer and has a more acidic. Another reason why I am heading away from the Africans. This tank requires pretty heavy water changes at least once a week to keep nitrates down. I am looking forward to a planted tank to help with it (and not having to overstock as much to avoid aggression!)

Thanks for the suggestions on a larger fish. I will see what I can locate. My local selections are horrible so I will be ordering online. I have recently found an online seller that has a large selection of fish and he said that he can try to locate what ever additional fish I would like. Maybe he can help me out!

What type of numbers do you recommend for the Apistos? Stick with the one harem? Would they conflict with the rams?

 

[ed seeley]

What about a few larger South American tetras? I have found them fairly slow moving and calming with Apistos. I've kept Diamond tetras and Bleeding hearts would look great. Or were you thinking larger than that?
I wouldn't go with African Congo Tetras as mine are too quick and good at eating babies to keep with a breeding pair of Apistos.

I think the suggestion of some surface fish might be even better though and hatchets are amazing fish. I'm not sure how predatory the SJOs would be, my Epiplatys killis look like mini-pike and not sure I'd trust them with babies!

 

[Glimmer]

Thanks Ed...

I was actually looking at some of the larger tetras last night. I currently have diamonds in my 29 gallon that I could easily move and set up more of a school with them. Or I could go with another tetra. The other option I have had mentioned to me is go with 2 schools of smaller fish. Unfortunatly I am finding that of the schooling tetras the fish that I am drawn to other than the cardinals are not SA tetras but rather African. Then another part of me says to forget the SA theme and just go with what fish I want and will enjoy.

 

[beleg]

Although not a schooling species, i really like the contrast between H. bentosi and a dominantly green planted tank. The males display and flare at each other and the females reaction is fun to watch. The fish are serious predators of fry , so maybe not suitable if breeding is a concern.

P.S. Schooling species rarely school in a smaller tank and in big tanks they usually wont school if there is no serious danger of predation.