Good set-up for apistos?

[Katie_Sparks]

Hello! I'm new to the forum (I was referred her by the TomGriffin boards). I started reading through some of the posts already and have to see this is a pretty nice and informational message board =) I always like to ask questions at the msg boards over surfing the net, just because I like to get everyone's experiences, and I always seem to get the best information from msg boards.

I just had a few questions about my tank set-up and the apistos I'm planning on getting.

I'm in the process of cycling the tank, so it will be awhile before I can get the fish in.
Here are the stats of the tank:
40 gallon long
Planted
pH--7.0-7.2
4dKH
6dGH

If these fish work with the apistos, I'm planning on putting some corydoras in there along with a few small-medium schooling fish....unsure of what those will be right now.
Also, I was told that I should keep my apistos 1 male to a few females?

Anyone think of any conflicts that could arise? Is there going to be any problems with them and my plants? I've kept plant destroying cichlids in the past, but this time I'd like to keep some cichlids in my planted tank.

 

[Katie_Sparks]

Well aren't I nuts, I didn't realize there was a planted tank board here.
Feel free to not answer my question about the planted tanks and cichlids =)

 

[farm41]

Hi Katie,

Welcome aboard.

Cory's will be fine with your apisto's, and if I may suggest some schooling fish for you. I just love my rummynose tetras with my apistos.

That recommendation on the trios is good for cacs and some others, but not all apistos. Some are monogomous and some are polygamous.

 

[Randall]

Katie's New Apisto Setup

Dear Katie,

Welcome to the Forum! We hope that your dwarf cichlid experience is enriched here.

Given your water chemistry, I think Farm41's Apistogramma cacatuoides suggestion is excellent. A. borellii would also be a good option. Both species thrive in moderately soft, slightly alkaline water.

For tankmates, some Corys would be fine, and any of the small tetras or pencil fish as dithers would make a nice addition.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[irishspy]

Cory's will be fine with your apisto's, and if I may suggest some schooling fish for you. I just love my rummynose tetras with my apistos.

Well, that's handy -- I found this web site while looking for answers to almost the same question as Katie's, and the first board I opened has the answers I need. Talk about service. 8)

I'm coming back to the hobby after many years away from it. My plan is to set-up a 40-55 gallon tank, fairly heavily planted, with the main shoaling fish being glowlights and bleeding heart tetras. (Also cories and Otos for scavengers) While looking for different tankmates, I ran across A. Cacatuoides and fell in love.

So, I'm doing my research on them, but some of the information I encounter has been contradictory. For example, some say "semi-aggressive" while others say "peaceful." Do the species I mentioned above look like compatible tankmates for cacatuoides?

As for water conditions, the pH here in west Los Angeles is 7.4, according to the DWP. I've read that the Dwarf Cockatoo likes it's water moderately acid (6.7?), but, again, there are contradictory sources. What's been your experience of the best water for this fish?

Anyway, I've babbled on long enough, now. It's nice meeting y'all and I look forward to exploring the site.

--Anthony

 

[aspen]

hi anthony. i would class most apistos as at least semi-agressive, and cacatoides are no exception. however some apistos are real nasty! all of the species mentioned are quite acceptable, and will provide a nice mix, imo. what size tank, and how many fish?

unlike schooling fish, apistos need a few more gals per inch than other fish their size to be 'happy'. this is usually more like, only a single trio say, in a 20- 35 gal. or 2 pairs or trios in a 55, depending on 'compatibility'.

your water is likely fine for cacatiodes, how hard is your water? (gh, kh of an aged sample)

have fun, rick

 

[Randall]

New Tank Setup

Dear Anthony,

Welcome!

Many dwarf cichlid species' aggression can be kept in check by providing the appropriate environment and heterospecifics (fish of a different species). Apistogramma species are no exception. Given a 55-gallon tank, it would be possible to keep the dither fish and catfish that you mentioned as well as, say, two pairs or one pair and one trio of Apistogramma species. Cacatuoides and borellii do well in moderately soft, slightly alkaline water, as does Microgeophagus altispinosa, the Bolivan ram. Whichever fish you choose, if the tank is well planted and numerous cave formations and furnishings in the way of drift wood and rocks are present, you should have a tank of some very happy fish.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[irishspy]

Thanks for the replies, Rick and Randall.

At the moment, my aqarium is in the planning stages. Right now, I'm waiting for an answer from the building owners as to what size aquarium they'll approve. (Fingers crossed -- I kind of have my heart set on a 55. 8) ) Thus, exact numbers of fish in the tank is up in the air at the moment.

As for water conditions, I have to download the DWP report to get the hardness figures, though I plan to test it myself, too. And thanks for the suggestions for other species: I'm off now to look them up.

see ya,
--Anthony

 

[Neil]

Katie_Sparks,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

Katie,
Sorry I kind of missed this thread , but a belated welcome anyway.
You tank sounds great for the fish mentioned above. Those parameters are adequate for many Dwarf Cichlid species and the ones mentioned above would be ideal. I always put my vote in for cacatuoides as a first apisto. Good luck and hope to hear more about your tank soon.
Neil

 

[Neil]

irishspy,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

some say "semi-aggressive" while others say "peaceful."

This is because with cichlids, in general, the range of behaviors are very complex and tend to vary from one fish to another, even in a single species. As a rule, cacatuoides are only moderately aggressive and usually don't spend alot of time fighting until they are ready to breed. At that time almost all cichlids will get a little meaner to everybody (including their mate sometimes).

What's been your experience of the best water for this fish?

The best water for cacatuoides, like all apistogramma is soft, acidic water. Some prefer or require softer and more acidic, but ideal is below neutral. However, cacatuoides will be fine, and even breed in harder water, but prefers 6.5pH, 2-3dGH and temp of about 78 to 80.
Good luck and have fun in your research. You will probably come across others that you will want too!
Neil

 

[irishspy]

You will probably come across others that you will want too!
Neil

Thanks for the reply, Neil.
You're right, I already have. If I get the 55 gallon tank, I'm planning to include a trio of either Rams or Borellis. The breeding colors of the Borellis are really beautiful.

Since Dwarf Cichlids seem to like caves and many people use flower pots, I have a question: do unglazed flower pots need to be treated in any special way, such as first boiling?

--Anthony

 

[Neil]

You just have to be careful about the types of clay pots you use. Some have lead in them and some have been around chemicals in gardening depts. It probably wouldn't hurt to quickly boil them.
I think the ones at Walmart are Ok and inside the store. I haven't bought them for so long, I can't remember.
Neil

 

[aspen]

anthony, rams and borelli's are both real nice. imo, a pair of rams would be suitable, the formed pair will drive out the extra female once a pair is formed. i've had the extra female jump out, or be killed, or more likely, just hide until you take her out. borelli's will be nice in a pair or trio. or, how about 2 male, and 4 female borelli's? ime, geting 6 of the same species will be MUCH more likely assure you of a breeding pair.

rick