Breeding Nijsseni 2002

[scoozo]

Can somebody help me with this?
I know that Apistogramma Nijsseni spawn best at a PH level off 5,5 or lower.
But what is the best way in behave of the fish to lower your PH level???
I tried oak extract in my small tanks (25/30 liters).
But most of the time the lowering of the PH value went to fast.
And the fish became quiet and still.
Or is there another way that i not no of?

Thanx

 

[Neil]

scoozo,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

The best way to lower the pH of your water is slowly. This can be accomplished through the use of peat. Either LFS or garden shop peat will do as long as it is course and sterile. If you can find a way to filter the water slowly over the peat, it will slowly lower the pH and add valuable tannins to the water.
There are numerous threads about how people have done this, so you might try a search on this forum. I have used a nylon stocking or a filter bag below an overflow filter in the breeding tank. This seems to work OK. But I think the best way is to condition the water with peat in a seperate container and then do regular water changes to the main tank.
Many also add chemicals like discus buffer or pH Down, but they should be used very carefully. Good luck.
Neil