Hello from New England

[rainsongexotics]

Hi everyone, I'm a long time arachnid and reptile keeper just reintroducing myself to keeping fish. I'm sure there's been plenty of changes in the 20+ years since having fish.

I just recently discovered Apistogramma species and did months of research, including lurking here, before getting my first yesterday. I've been told it's a male Apistogramma cacatuoides orange flash. Including a picture of him.

I'm here to learn and give my new friend the best life possible.

 

[Frank Hättich]

I'm here to learn and give my new friend the best life possible.

Then please exchange the "rocks" you currently use as substrate for some fine sand. Why? See Tom's comment here: https://apistogramma.com/forum/threads/okay-to-add-apisto-to-my-tank.23600/#post-110306

 

[rainsongexotics]

Then please exchange the "rocks" you currently use as substrate for some fine sand. Why? See Tom's comment here: https://apistogramma.com/forum/threads/okay-to-add-apisto-to-my-tank.23600/#post-110306

Interesting information! Thank you for the link and info! Is there a specific type or brand of sand that you know of I should buy and replace the gravel with?

 

[Frank Hättich]

Is there a specific type or brand of sand that you know of I should buy and replace the gravel with?

No, but it should be inert, i. e. not affecting the hardness (or other parameters) of the water, and rounded. I can recommend pool filter sand with a grain size in the range 0.2-0.8mm.

 

[Yvonne G]

Nice picture! Welcome!

 

[rainsongexotics]

No, but it should be inert, i. e. not affecting the hardness (or other parameters) of the water, and rounded. I can recommend pool filter sand with a grain size in the range 0.2-0.8mm.

Thank you again! Exactly what I needed. I'll get on the switch as soon as possible.

 

[rainsongexotics]

Nice picture! Welcome!

Thank you! Took a little bit to get it. He was shy for the first few hours

 

[rainsongexotics]

@Frank Hättich Just following up, I have the sand ordered and will be performing the switch process once it arrives. Thank you again for the information and linking me to @Tom C and his wealth of info/knowledge!

 

[rainsongexotics]

Got the sand, claims it doesn't need to be washed but I'm going to anyway.

Sadly, the cacatuoides has died. This morning the c02 system wasn't working for me so I left it off. My SO offered to help after I left for work. She said she got it going but when I came home he was dead and floating. I saw a heavy stream of bubbles coming from the diffuser and turned off the c02, it turned about 2.5 times more than what I keep it at.

I'm trying not to be angry/heartbroken over this...

Anyway, I appreciate the recommendation for the sand.