Apistos In Non-Planted Tanks

[cyno afra]

Hi.

I've haven't had much luck with keeping plants in my aquariums and generally use silk plants. I have lost the appeal of slik plants, and in my Rift Lake tanks I no longer use any. I am still looking into keeping Apistos and wondered if it is possible to house Apistos in all rocky tanks, with cobbles and pebbles as decor?

Thanks.

 

[tleehm]

Make sure the rocks and decores are inert, can't think of any reason why not.

What about the use of drift wood instead? The tanin can only soften the water, whilst some rocks may have minerals that bumps the pH up and harden water.

Thomas.

 

[Mike Wise]

Most apistos in the wild live in areas without aquatic plants. They live among fallen leaves, driftwood, and in places rocks. I do recommend using Java Moss if you can get it. It grows in most tanks and lighting conditions.

 

[cyno afra]

Thanks for your replies. I will try and get some wood, I just don't know if I want silk plants anymore, some look very realistic, some don't. I am looking into Apistos again as shelldwellers are not available in any LFS near me, and I would rather buy fish that are available to buy in shops (which Borelli & Cockatoos are), rather than ordering fish for delivery, which I remain unsure about. The fish available are Orange Flash Cockatoos, and Opal Borelli.