Suggestions for tank???

[77railer]

I was given this tank as a christmas present last year from a friend of mine and have yet to use it for anything. I would like to breed something in it but as of yet have not found a breed suited for it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The tank is a 75G seperated into 6 pieces with an overflow in the back which may or may not be used.

 

[Mike Wise]

Looking at the photo of the tank - and assuming that is a 6-8"/15-20cm tube of caulk in it - I personally feel each section is too small for any but the smallest, most peaceful species of dwarf cichlid. I imagine that A. wapisana would do well, maybe even A. borellii if you are experienced. The sections are too small for any polygamous species. Otherwise I suggest killifish would work very well.

 

[Ruki]

This tank(ore those tanks :biggrin: ) is IMHO good for breeding Dwarfs, but only for breeding, not keeping.
Also Mike's suggestion about killfishes is good- they're very interesting fishes!

 

[ed seeley]

It'd be perfect for killies! Just fit something over the grilles if you are keeping tiny fry in there! The centralised system will alow you to keep much more stable conditions than the single tanks, I want to build one similar to this, but slightly larger modules for my killies.

The other otpion might be to use them as growing on quarters for small groups of cichlid fry, but a that's a bit of a niche use really.

 

[77railer]

Measurements

I will measure today once I get home to give actual dimensions. Im also trying to figure out where to find some fish to start with. I have a spare 55g that is in my house just waiting for some fish to play in. What temp do most of you keep your tanks at?

77Railer

 

[ed seeley]

I keep my killies at room temperature in breeding tanks - about 23 degrees - and normal tropical temps when they're in tanks with other fish - 25-27 degrees.

Just looking at that pic again how does the water get bacl into the individual tanks?

 

[77railer]

Total Tank Volume

Ok did some calc. My total tank volume including the overflow is 76G each little compartment is 8.5G with a foot print of 13.5in x 8.5in. Will this work for breeding apistos? Like I mentioned in the thread before I have an empty 55 sitting on a stand in the house...possible to partition it into 3 tanks each with a sponge filter? and get them to breed. Could start with one set and as/if they have fry could move them into the next section?

Couple quick questions...

1.) Is substrate necessary or can you go bare bottom like discus?
2.) If my house temp is 70-72 is it necessary to have a heater in their tank?
3.) Do the young fish pair up like discus or do male and female just bond for breeding and then split?

Thanks for all the info...can anyone suggest a place to read up online for breeding/keeping apistogramma?

77Railer

 

[dw1305]

bare bottom

Hi all,
I think most people use sand, because Apistogramma are Geophagines and like to feed from the top layers of the bottom sediment. I find they are very efficient at finding any Grindal worms that haven't been eaten immediately, even fry will grab a mouthful of sand, extract any worms and discard the sand through their gill covers

Even in a very small breeding tank, (where I was going to remove the male immediately after spawning) I'd use sand, java moss and oak leaves and at least 2 caves, as the pair can spend a long time sifting through the sand and poking under the leaves, and the fry will to extract any small food items from the java moss, and gives them a cave each to hide in (whilst the male is present).

cheers Darrel

 

[dw1305]

sand also for spawning

sorry duplicate post

 

[dw1305]

sand also for spawning

Hi all,
I should also have said the female uses the sand to adjust the size of the spawning cave as well, and may bury the entrance completely.
I watched a female this morning carefully removing several bits of gravel from the sand around her pot and spitting them about 15cm away, she got back into the pot by turning onto her side and with much tail flapping squeezing through a very thin crack not really visible above the sand.
cheers Darrel