F
flagg6805
Guest
Hi All! After keeping and breeding N. brichardis for about a year, I'm in the process of selling off the last my my juveniles so I can setup a SA biotope aquarium. I'm writing to get some suggestions and advice... I have a 30 gal breeder that I plan on using. It's going to be fully planted. I'll have a twin tube strip light w/ 2 30W bulbs and I'm probably going to get a Eheim canister filter. A couple of questions....
1. How many Apistos could I keep in a tank this size w/ other fish? I was thinking of keeping cacatuoides as I've heard these are relatively easy (I mean, as far as SA dwarf cichlids go.) What other fish could I keep with them (oh, I also have a female bristlenose that will be in the tank)? I was thinking a trio of angelfish, but I know, I know, the tanks not tall or large enough (my g/f will be upset, but hey, she likes the apistos too). Will it be possible to breed and raise fry w/ other fish in the tank?
2. What should I use for substrate? Since I'm including plants, I was thinking of mixing laterite and sand in the bottom layer and then just plain black sand on top. Any other suggestions?
3. Cannister filter is ok or would other filtration be better?
4. I can't afford a "real" CO2 kit, where can I find plans for a good DIY kit?
5. Does anybody know of a decent online store for plants? I've used azgardens, but I'm not 100% happy with their South American assortment and I've heard of some other places that can be cheaper.
6. My water is somewhat on the alkaline side (around 7.6 - 7.8 pH). Any suggestions on how to lower the pH? I was thinking the CO2 would probably bring it down as would Kent's Blackwater.... anything else I should try? Peat in the fitler? If so, how much?
7. Any other suggestions on my setup?
I know that these are a lot of questions, but after keeping fish on and off for most of my life, I know that one should always be well-informed before setting up a tank. Thanks a lot in advanced for all your help!
Best Regards,
Ricardo
1. How many Apistos could I keep in a tank this size w/ other fish? I was thinking of keeping cacatuoides as I've heard these are relatively easy (I mean, as far as SA dwarf cichlids go.) What other fish could I keep with them (oh, I also have a female bristlenose that will be in the tank)? I was thinking a trio of angelfish, but I know, I know, the tanks not tall or large enough (my g/f will be upset, but hey, she likes the apistos too). Will it be possible to breed and raise fry w/ other fish in the tank?
2. What should I use for substrate? Since I'm including plants, I was thinking of mixing laterite and sand in the bottom layer and then just plain black sand on top. Any other suggestions?
3. Cannister filter is ok or would other filtration be better?
4. I can't afford a "real" CO2 kit, where can I find plans for a good DIY kit?
5. Does anybody know of a decent online store for plants? I've used azgardens, but I'm not 100% happy with their South American assortment and I've heard of some other places that can be cheaper.
6. My water is somewhat on the alkaline side (around 7.6 - 7.8 pH). Any suggestions on how to lower the pH? I was thinking the CO2 would probably bring it down as would Kent's Blackwater.... anything else I should try? Peat in the fitler? If so, how much?
7. Any other suggestions on my setup?
I know that these are a lot of questions, but after keeping fish on and off for most of my life, I know that one should always be well-informed before setting up a tank. Thanks a lot in advanced for all your help!
Best Regards,
Ricardo
