Livebearers as Dither

[freshwaterfishfan]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone know of a good livebearer to act as dither fish? I know most livebearers enjoy hard water, but do any thrive in soft. acidic water? I would be interested in any first hand experiences.
Thanks
Steve

 

[retro_gk]

The common mosquito fish, guppies and platies are all tolerant of pretty much anything. I've used all of the above a dithers in S American tanks, pH of 6-7 with low to medium hardness. I've also housed wild caught P. mexicana in a West African tank for a week, with no ill effects.

Many livebearers are found in a variety of habitats, ranging from hard and alkaline to soft and acid. Off the top of my head; P. reticulata, P. caucana, halfbeaks and some Skiffia species. Perhaps some Brachyraphis species as well.

 

[fishgeek]

i have a guppy plaque and even in soft acidic waters , no measureable hardness and pH 5.5- 6.0 i still have them breed and live for ponly aout 9 mths though

andrew
not intentionlally being cruel to guppies just trying to slow their reproduction

 

[tjudy]

IME platies do not mind soft water, but are not very happy with acidic water below pH 6.0. With my westies, except for N. transvestitus, I keep the water soft but with a neutral pH, so platies are fine.