Tank sizes

[Tedstank]

There is a lot of wonderful info out here, so is there a recommended tank size for breeding apistos. I was thinking getting 15 gal size for breeding and fry grow out. I use pure RO water with driftwood caves and lots of plants. The non breeders are kept in a 55 gal long tank.

Could also use 15gal for pairs or trio's? I know the bigger the better, 10 gal tanks are killers...so 15 to 20 long should be best?

All you have the experience and I don't want to re-invent the wheel.

Just am curious on your experiences with tank sizes

 

[Mike Wise]

I'm rather conservative when it comes to territory size for apistos. I generally suggest each fish should have a territory 1 ft/30cm in diameter. In reality, it actually depends on the species, each individual fish's aggressiveness, how the aquarium is decorated, etc. Personally, I've been successful with many apistos breeding in everything from a 5 gallon on upward. A 15 is an acceptable size for most pairs and many trios.

 

[Cam.B]

I have a new 12 gallon aquarium. It has driftwood and some pretty big rock. I started the tank off with a couple Serpae Tetras. Would I be able to put some apistogrammas in? If I could how many could I get? and what type of apistos should I get?

 

[Mike Wise]

You really haven't given me enough information for a good answer. What are the bottom dimensions of your tank? What are the water values of your tank: pH, dGH, dKH, temperature, established or newly set up tank?

 

[Cam.B]

I have white gravol. My ph is ussually around 5.0 and 7.0 and the temperature is about 77-80 degrees. I have had the tank with the 2 Serpae Tetras about 3 weeks.

 

[Mike Wise]

Your tank hasn't totally finished the nitrogen break-in cycle yet. Have you tested the ammonia (NH3) and nitrite (NO2) levels recently? If they are still high, then you should wait a bit for them to drop.

The bottom area is very important for apistos. They are, after all, a cichlid and like most cichlids are territorial. What are the bottom measurements of your 12? Usually a small tank like yours will handle only smaller, more peaceful species. One that is regularly available is A. borellii. I hesitate making other recommendations without knowing the bottom dimensions of your aquarium.

 

[Cam.B]

Im only 11 years old so I don't know alot. So, I only do ph testing and I don't really know what bottom demensions are, sorry. So if, You could tell I probably could give you an answer.

 

[Mike Wise]

Cam, can you measure the long side and the wide side of your aquarium for me? That will give me the information that I need. Do you have an aquarium store that will test for ammonia and nitrite? Most good stores will do it for free or a small charge. It is good to see someone of your age asking questions. It is a good sign that you are smart and will be successful with aquarium keeping.

 

[Cam.B]

My hieght of my tank is 14 and a half inches, the width is 10 inches and the length is 20 inches.

I do lots of research on fish and hope to be a Marine Bioligist someday.

Thanks for all the help you have been giving me.

 

[Mike Wise]

Cam, your tank has the same bottom surface area as a standard 10 gallon aquarium. I suggest that you start you apisto keeping with A. borellii. This species is small (about 2 in. long), peaceful, and not especially picky about water values (pH, hardness). It will even survive in cooler water. There are many different color varieties available. They are relatively easy to breed, too. Females are usually good parents. Once you try this species and are successful, then try some of the other species. A tank as small as yours is not ideal for many of the larger and more territorial species, but with experience you can do it. Good luck with your fish keeping.

 

[Cam.B]

Unfortunately, my pet store that I go to only has A. agasizzi and A. viejita, but this is one of the store in edmonton that doesn't have alot of variety. Do you suggest going to another store or could I get one of the apistos at the store I go to?

 

[Mike Wise]

I personally feel that both of these species are not a good choice for a beginner in such a small tank. There is a good chance that one of the fish will damage/kill its mate. If you do decide to go with one of these, the try the A. agassizii. If you store can get agassizii and viejita (probably a domestic form of macmasteri), then they should be able to get A. borellii. Another option is to post in the "Hobbyist Buy/Sell" section of this forum. Ask for A. borellii from someone who ships fish in Canada.

 

[Cam.B]

My mom said that I coudn't order or buy fish on the computer. Also my store got in another type, it is called A. Rio mamore. I might be able to find the A. Borelli at another store. Do you suggest looking for another store that sells them or could I go with the A.Rio mamore.

 

[Mike Wise]

I would still recommend A. borellii as a first apisto if you can find them. The Rio Mamore (A. erythrura) would work as well as the A. aggassizii.

 

[Cam.B]

So, if I can't find a A.borelli. A. rio mamore would work?

 

[Mike Wise]

Yes, the Rio Mamoré fish or A. agassizii.

 

[Cam.B]

Thanks for all your help, I'm going out to buy the fish tommorow.