Tank stocking...

[Ifhbiff]

I have an empty 30 gallon tank that is 36x12x16
Any suggestions on stocking??
I really like the colors and unique looks of some of the apistos.
Thoughts??

 

[Mike Wise]

Depends on how the tank is decorated. I recommend (conservatively) 1 sq ft of bottom area/apisto for territory.

 

[Ifhbiff]

Depends on how the tank is decorated. I recommend (conservatively) 1 sq ft of bottom area/apisto for territory.

It's not decorated. I wanted to wait until I figured out what I was putting in it. So I have free range of anything and any kind of apostolic. Thoughts?

 

[Simon Morgan]

Buy a young pair of apistos you like the look of and combine with tetras/pencilfish or other dithers and maybe some nice corydoras or similar... Lot of wood, leaves and maybe a coconut cave and you have apisto heaven

 

[Ifhbiff]

could I have more than one type of apisto in my tank? example: a pair of Apistogramma baenschi and a pair of Apistogramma viejita provided I supply enough caves/wood and plants? Along with maybe some pencil fish and a cory or two?

 

[Ifhbiff]

Thoughts?

 

[Simon Morgan]

You can mix Apistos IME but not permanently. I have successfully mixed Apistos with other Dwarf cichlids such as Bolivian rams, Laetacara etc

 

[Mike Wise]

You might get away with 2 pair, again depends on how structurally complex the decor. Personally, I wouldn't mix A. baenschi & A. macmaster (commercial 'A. viejita'). They are too similar in shape and this usually leads to more aggression between species. I'd try one of the long, slender types instead.