Tank Suggestions/help

[matpat]

Hello everyone, this is my first post! I'm in the beginning stages of planning my first apisto tank and need some help/suggestions. I'm thinking of using either an all-glass 54g or 92g corner tank. Any pros or cons on using a corner tank? My water parameters from the tap are pH 7.6, KH 8, GH 5, with zero NH3, NH4, NO2, NO3, & PO4.

I'm interested in what types of apistos would be good for a beginner with the above water parameters. I have tested my rested pH and it is above 7.6 (test kit only goes to 7.6) Would I need to use RO water to cut my tap (well) water or would peat filtration be ok? RO water would greatly influence the size tank I plan to keep.

The tank will also be planted with a dark sand substrate with peat under the sand. I plan on keeping the lighting low, 1-2 wpg so I would not need to supplement CO2 for the plants. I will probably be using a Magnum 350 for filtration.

I have kept fish for over a decade and currently have a 75g heavily planted tank stocked with tetras, algae eaters, and amano/cherry shrimp. Could I safely add apistos to this tank? pH is 7.0 (pressurized CO2), GH 6, KH 8, and I add Nitrates (~10ppm), phosphates (~1ppm), Fe, and traces 3x a week. 50% weekly water changes. Would the plant ferts be OK for apistos?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[farm41]

apistos are great in a planted tank. I have two 75g heavily planted, 256 watts, co2 injected, add Plantex csm, kh2po4, Fe, and k2o twice a week. Some apistos spawn in the tanks, others need softer water.

It all depends on what is available, or what you like. If you find out what is available, then ask if that species is likely to thrive in the conditions you have.

 

[matpat]

Farm41,

Thanks for the reply! I was concerned about the additional nitrates since I have read that some apistos are sensitive to nitrates. I haven't made up my mind as far as what type apisto to put in the tank nor have I decided on the tank. I was curious as to whether a corner tank would have sufficient space for several pairs or if I was better off using a rectangular tank.

I will check out the local supply and ask questions. However, I sometimes feel that the LFS does not always have correct information, depending on who you talk to.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[farm41]

However, I sometimes feel that the LFS does not always have correct information, depending on who you talk to.

Thanks again for the help!

that's a fact everywhere, many have no experience with apistos, in fact many lfs don't even know what an apisto is.

I like the corner tanks, I have even been thinking about one for my office. I think they apistos could find some territories to keep to there selves, provided you supply the right amount of structure. Maybe just two pairs for the 54g, or a trio.

I have a colony of A. hoignei in my 75g, very interesting to watch, 1 dominant male, 1 subdominant fighting for the top spot from his father, 6 females. 1-2 females are always in breeding dress.

 

[matpat]

The corner tank would fit very well in my planned area as would another 75g. I just think the angle of the corner tank may allow better viewing from the couch when not watching TV. Plus, I have another corner on the opposite side of the room that could use a tank too

I've always had large tanks and was planning on a 54 or even a 92 for the apistos. This is my concern for the area. But I guess with one or two males and several females this may not be a concern. I plan on keeping them along with crypts, anubias and some other low light plants, so I would not need CO2. I was planning on a central rock/driftwood formation. I have thought about covering a few small flower pots with java moss. Would this work for a breeding cave or do they prefer the cave uncovered?


Your tank must be something to see. I've read that the females tend to be yellow when tending to their brood. Is this the case in your tank? I have only seen apistos once, so I have no knowledge of them whatsoever. Only what I can read and see in person. It is difficult/confusing when first starting, learnng the scientific names, just like plants. I will keep at it though. Thanks again for the help, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[farm41]

I have thought about covering a few small flower pots with java moss.

Works great, I have some like that, makes it easier for the female to defend.

I've read that the females tend to be yellow when tending to their brood. Is this the case in your tank?

yep, theres always plenty of action in this tank

 

[Neil]

matpat,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

I was planning on a central rock/driftwood formation.

If you are going to have 2 males, this would be a good idea. Dividing the tank into territories with a border structure will help. However, I would have plenty of other little areas of escape cover to help females escape for aggressive males. Alot of plants will help in this regard.

I've read that the females tend to be yellow when tending to their brood.

Females quite often turn yellow before they breed. The intensity of yellow increase when they actually spawn.

I will keep at it though.

Excellent! You will be thankful that you research things before you jump into keeping apistos.

Good luck,

Neil

 

[matpat]

Thanks for the reply Neil. I do plan on adding several small clay pots covered with java moss for the females to use as cover/breeding caves.

The research is just beginning and it will probably be 6 months or so before I actually purchase the tank and build the stand, etc. I hope to start out with the "beginner" types such as A. borelli or maybe an A. cacatuoides variety. I am leaning towards the "blue" types though as I like their coloration. Any suggestions for other beginner type Apistos would be appreciated. I will however search the forum for past posts.

Thanks again.

 

[Neil]

Matt,
There are quite a few that you can try, considering it sounds like you are spending time and effort learning about them first. Maybe you should list some that you like and we can tell you how appropriate they would be in a particular set-up. Are you interested in other South American or West African Dwarfs or just Apistogramma?

Neil

 

[matpat]

Neil,

I just got done listing some that I am interested in. Was looking on the price list on apistogrammadotcom now that I know what I am interested in:

A. agassizii "Double Red"
A. agassizii " Tefe"
A. borelli "Opal"
A. juruensis "Nanay"
A. macmasteri
A. nijsseni

Of the above list, which do you recommend for a beginner. Also, which are compatible and how many pairs can I keep in a 55g. I just plan on keeping and enjoying them at first. Breeding can come later.

I am also interested in Microgeophagus ramerizi "German Blue" . But I would probably put a pair ot these in my 75g. Are they compatible with the above Apistos?

I had the great fortune to find someone selling two 55g and a 40g for $250! Tanks, stands, filters, the whole works. So needless to say I will not be going with a corner tank at I had previously posted. I will be picking these up on Sunday (3-14). My thoughts are to set up one of the 55g for Apistos and the other to hold the fish I am getting from the lady selling the tanks. If need be, I can partition off the 40g into two 20g breeding tanks.

I will not however be adding any Apistos to these tanks until I get the substrate changed out and my water parameters worked out if need be. My thoughts for the substrate are to go with a light peat layer topped with eco complete and a layer of black sand on top of that for a depth of 2". I do plan on keeping low light plants in there, plus any trimmings I get from the 75g.

So you don't have to go back to my original post, my water parameters from the tap are pH 7.6, KH 8, GH 5, with zero NH3, NH4, NO2, NO3, & PO4. I also have peat nuggets I can use for filtration along with regular carbon and Seachem's Renew.

Thanks again for the help and I look forward to hearing from you again.