Stocking for 20 gallon

[Bæn]

Hi all,
i am looking at starting a 20 gallon tank, roughly 60cm long x 40cm front to back x 30cm tall , ideally for a pair of rareish dwarf cichlids that i can breed. I was thinking of a pair of cichlids and then tetras or another schooling fish to keep with them. I am looking for suggestions/ideas for the pair of cichlids to keep and breed. I was looking at ivanacara which i really liked as well as some of the more niche appisto's. Let me know any other suggestions, Thanks.

 

[Bæn]

I can buy F1 Offspring of Ivanacara Adoketa Rio Cuiari at 5-6cm which i am seriously thinking about. to increase my chances of a breeding pair how many should i buy?

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I can buy F1 Offspring of Ivanacara Adoketa Rio Cuiari at 5-6cm which i am seriously thinking about. to increase my chances of a breeding pair how many should i buy?

I think the answer is probably "none", because you would need a much bigger tank. Personally I don't have any practical experience, but others will - <"https://apistogramma.com/forum/threads/ivanacara-adoketa-tankmates.19376/">.

What does the tank look like? Can we have a picture and what is your water like etc.

Some details just help us help you.

Cheers Darrel

 

[anewbie]

You have a 20 tall as oppose to a 20 long - what dwarf cichild need is floor space. Ivanacara adoketa are particularly vicious and would need something closer to 36inch x 16 inch min - however their cousin ivancara bimaculata are much more peaceful but still they are not a tiny fish and a 20 high like what you have is not enough space. You might get away with a 20 long (30inchx12 inch) but still i think they would appreciate more space.

 

[Mike Wise]

I would think of one of the smaller apisto species or Dicrossus, Taeniacara, or Biotoecus.

 

[Bæn]

As far as tanks go, i only have the 20 gall tall as of right now but i would definitely buy a larger one if that is better. The fish are about 5-6cm, so maybe i could grow the juveniles (i was thinking 5) out in this tank with sand, rocks and some wood while i make a more permanent 90cm tank in hopes that some of them will pair off?

 

[Bæn]

Here is a photo of the F1 offspring in the breedres tank

 

[Bæn]

I would think of one of the smaller apisto species or Dicrossus, Taeniacara, or Biotoecus.

What rare, smaller apisto species would you reccomend me searching for?

 

[KenL]

What rare, smaller apisto species would you reccomend me searching for?

Where are you in the world? Probably a good idea to reach out to the better retailers in your local area or country.

On the fry you can buy, how did the breeder care for the adults?

 

[Bæn]

Where are you in the world? Probably a good idea to reach out to the better retailers in your local area or country.

On the fry you can buy, how did the breeder care for the adults?

Australia. I have just realised that Ivanacara are not even legal here even though every subspecies of apisto are. So i have shifted my attention towards some rarer wild apisto's that i am currently trying to source from Hong Kong, Vietnam or Indonesia except i dont know a particular subspecies that i am interested in, any ideas? i will also see what the breeders have to offer. The breeder for the Ivanacara was located in vietnam and he used a 90cm x 45cm x 45 cm tank that he had filled to 25cm with a sponge filter. His wild pair took 3 years to succesfully raise their fry.

 

[anewbie]

Interesting that Ivancara are not legal there - the problem is size of the aquarium - personally i like a. pucallpaensis which can be a nice fish and would fit in a 20 tall easily.

Another passive fish i like that is 'rare' is d52 though it is larger and would be a bit cramp in such a small aquarium it is at least very passive and in a well planted environment quite nice.

If you can find them there is a red version of a. lineata that is quite lovely and again a passive species.

 

[Bæn]

Interesting that Ivancara are not legal there - the problem is size of the aquarium - personally i like a. pucallpaensis which can be a nice fish and would fit in a 20 tall easily.

Another passive fish i like that is 'rare' is d52 though it is larger and would be a bit cramp in such a small aquarium it is at least very passive and in a well planted environment quite nice.

If you can find them there is a red version of a. lineata that is quite lovely and again a passive species.

I know right, i sent an email to the biosecurity office to see if there was anything i could do to appeal this as i highly doubt Ivanacara are any more risk to the wildlife here than the 100+ subspecies of apistogramma. Ill have a look at these types and let you know how i go.

 

[Bæn]

Also, this is a shop i have been looking at in Australia which would definetely be easier than importing but wouldnt provide the same variety/quality. Let me know if theres any that look good or you think would do well.