Questions from a new one

[doczahi]

Hi
I'm just making my first breeding aquarium for A. caccaduides.
I read some info in the internet and found some confusing data regarding the water condition.
Can someone please tell me what should the water condition be?
And, from what I know it is better to have a minimal aquariom for breeding (minimal organic material, no gravel ecet), and that is for the better cleening abilities. Is it the case with Apisto's?
I'm sure I gonna have many more questions in the future, but that's all for now.
Thanks
Zahi

 

[Neil]

doczahi,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

Hello from the US!

I'm just making my first breeding aquarium for A. caccaduides.

Great, but I should point out that it is spelled cacatuoides. You have chosen a good first apisto to work with.

Can someone please tell me what should the water condition be?

Slightly acidic and soft, if possible. About 6.5 to 7 pH and 2 to 4 ºGH and KH would work well. But they will spawn in higher and lower water values.

And, from what I know it is better to have a minimal aquariom for breeding (minimal organic material, no gravel ecet), and that is for the better cleening abilities. Is it the case with Apisto's?

That is definitely many people's choice. I, myself, like to put a thin layer of sand or fine gravel in the bottom, which seems to help stablize the pH a little. It is just as easy to keep clean, looks nicer and gives the fish some substrate to root through and move around for breeding.

I'm sure I gonna have many more questions in the future, but that's all for now.

Great, that is the best way to get it right the first time.

Good luck,
Neil

 

[doczahi]

Dear Neil

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I apologize in advanced for any misspellings as English is not my natural languaue :wink: (I will be happy to see future corrections).

The current water conditions are:
pH- 7.6 (I think I'll have to add some peat).
KH- 3
GH- 12 (more R.O. I guess)

Is it too early to put in the fish (even not for breeding)? Should I wait until I lower the pH or should it be "on the move"?

Is it a problem not to use gravel? can they still lay eggs?

Thanks again,
Zahi

 

[Randall]

Breeding Apistogramma cacatuoides

Dear Zahi,

If you are using a 50/50 tap water to RO water mix to arrive at the water parameters posted, your Apistogramma cacatuoides might prefer a 34/66 ratio of tap water to RO water. I, personally, use substrate in my breeding tanks to sustain live plants and give the fish something to dig, but others report success with bare bottom tanks.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[doczahi]

Thanks, I'll try more RO water.
Zahi