Introducing Myself (kinda long)

[mooman]

Hey everybody. I'm new to the forum and thought I'd introduce myself and tell you a little bit about where I am in "the hobby"

I'm 27 years old and live in Columbus, Ohio. I am currently taking classes to receive a teachers license in 7-12 life science, and work as a substitute teacher and part time waiter. I have a BS in wildlife biology from Ohio University. My other hobbies are gardening, and outdoor photography. I have a wonderful girlfriend of 4+ years that is very supportive of my hobby, in fact she just bought me a beautiful pair of A panduros. Thanks babe.).

In addition to my 2 tanks, I have a pair of Australian Bearded Dragons, a Columbian Boa Constrictor, and the best Yellow Lab in the world (MeishaMoo).

In the past I have kept Oscars, Jack Dempsies, and an assortment of "lesser" fish. I have just gotten back into the hobby and become a fanatic SA dwarf cichlid fan. In the last few months I have read every article and post I could find concerning Dwarf cichlids.

My main tank is a 29g Planted Oxbow Lake Biotope that contains 2 small angel fish (will eventually inherit the tank), some cory cats, ottos, tetras and the main attraction a beautiful pair of A panduros. These were recently bought to replace a pair of A. cacatuoides that decided after several spawns that they hated each other. They decided that killing each other while I was at work was their only option (very sad). On the bright side the panduros have already started "shopping for real estate" and the female is looking suspiciously plump.

My second tank is a 10g Low Light SA Stream Biotope that was pieced together over the course of a month or so (somehow it's easier to justify the expense if you only spend $15.00 at a time.). It is sparsely planted with some creative "spotlighting" that was accomplished using a compact fluorescent, low watt incandescent, and lots of electrical tape. It is stocked with Bolivian rams. I'm waiting for a definite pair to form so I can remove the 2nd pair and let the 1st "get down to business".

Even though I am a newbie, I feel I have something to offer this forum. I only pass on first hand advise or second hand advise from people I consider reputable sources (articles and posts written by experienced keepers). If any of my posts seems way off base please don't hesitate to correct me. I look forward to future discussions.

Sincerely
Mooman

 

[fishboy20]

Welcome to the forum. I live in Columbus myself. Sounds like you are on your way to enjoying some SA dwarf cichlids. Panduros can be as aggressive as cacatuoides though just to warn you. At least you have two tanks that you can seperate them if need be. Usually around spawning time is when Apistos become the most aggressive. Males can be aggressive leading up to spawning and then females are aggressive after the eggs are laid up until the fry are pushed from the territory. Hope you enjoy the forum!

~Jeremy

 

[depthc]

Hey, welcome its nice to see new members newbie or not. You seem quiet knowledgable so im sure your advice will be appreciated by everyone. Also your tanks sound quiet interesting, do you have any images off hand to share? Im specially interested in your 10g SA biotope.

I myself have almost everything ready to create a biotope with a 10g i have around. I just got some anubias nana v. petite which will most likely be the only plant in the tank. I also plan to have quite a bit of leaf litter with branches and all that stuff but i havent got around to it yet. I still need some inspiration to create a good looking tank. So if you could post a image or just tell me a little bit about your tank, sounds interesting.

Again welcome.

Andrew