Water hardness

[Kofteros]

Hi,

I am a new member in this forum.

Below is a recent photo of my tank. It has been running for a little more than 2 months. Dimensions are 140cm (length) x40cm (width) x30cm (height).
GH:19
KH:13
Ph (pre Co2 injection): 8
Temperature: 24 C

Livestock:
A pair of Apistogramma Macmasteri Gold (captive bred)
25 Hemigrammus bleheri diamond
10 Corydoras panda
6 otocinclus
20ish amano shrimps
20ish nertite snails

Are my GH,KH,Ph values "acceptable" for keeping my Apistos? (Not interested in them breading)

 

[MacZ]

The only fish I would be really concerned about are the Otocinclus. These fish are notoriously finnicky, but once offered the right conditions, really hardy. My experiences with them and hard water... did not end well. And I hear that all over the place.

The Petitella bleheri (formerly Hemigrammus) are a domestic strain, the Apistogramma are as well. I am not as sure about the Petitella as I am about the Apistogramma, as I have little experience with and no interest in domestic strains of tetra and can't say how far removed they are from wild/wild type conspecifics. If there is a parallel development as with domestic Microgeophagus, they might also not do well in hard water longterm.

The Apistos will be fine for keeping. I would not expect them to successfully breed in that tank in any water. Too many hungry tetras.

 

[Kofteros]

The only fish I would be really concerned about are the Otocinclus. These fish are notoriously finnicky, but once offered the right conditions, really hardy. My experiences with them and hard water... did not end well. And I hear that all over the place.

The Petitella bleheri (formerly Hemigrammus) are a domestic strain, the Apistogramma are as well. I am not as sure about the Petitella as I am about the Apistogramma, as I have little experience with and no interest in domestic strains of tetra and can't say how far removed they are from wild/wild type conspecifics. If there is a parallel development as with domestic Microgeophagus, they might also not do well in hard water longterm.

The Apistos will be fine for keeping. I would not expect them to successfully breed in that tank in any water. Too many hungry tetras.

Many thanks MacZ. I will then see if I can return them to my LFS.

Is it possible to add another pair of Apistos in my tank? and if so, should they be the same species, or I could add a different species? Borelli or Agassiz's?

 

[MacZ]

Due to the lack of Apistogramma-behaviour-friendly structure I would not get any other Apistogramma. Personally I'm against mixing species.
I find it's a nice scaping display, but a tank for serious fishkeeping focused on the species requirements it is not.

 

[Kofteros]

Hi MacZ,

Thanks for your input.

Further to my earlier post, the first photo that is attached below, is of the first day that I introduced my apistos to my tank (2 April 2022). and the next two photos are of two days ago. Apologies if my questions/observations sound silly but please bear in mind that this is my first time owning any of the apistogramma species.

Observations:

1) From the very first day, I noticed that, on a few occasions, the female was swimming slightly "sideways", which went away, I believe completely, after a few days.

2) On or about 4 days ago, the female, on some occasions, was being chased away by the male (goes into hiding) and I observed that she started losing her colors (see 3rd photo). This behavior of chasing does not happen all the time. There are times which they are both together.

3) I've also noticed what seems like a white/brownish stringy poop, which I am not quite sure if this normal fish poop and is shown in the 3rd photo. This morning when I checked, I believe that the "poop" was not there but not really sure since I did not have much time to really observe her as I was running late for work.

4) With regard to my female's appetite, she seems to be shy but I occasionally see her eating (not as much as the male). She is more reluctant to eat. I currently feed flakes, pellets, tablets and once a week frozen food (she is not interested at all at the frozen bloodworms). Unfortunately live food is near impossible to get my hands on in Cyprus. I am thinking of ordering the Artemio set (https://www.olibetta.com/jbl/artemioset-complete), which is the live food I might get my hands on. I have contacted several sellers of grindal worm cultures, but they either don't respond or don't ship to Cyprus.

5) My male seems to be doing very well with no signs of odd behavior, based on my understanding. His colors are vibrant and seems to be eating quite well.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Marios

 

[MacZ]

I am thinking of ordering the Artemio set (https://www.olibetta.com/jbl/artemioset-complete), which is the live food I might get my hands on.

I use that as well, works great. The female and the tetras will appreciate that stuff, the male might be already too big to see Artemia nauplii as food, but that seems to be very individual.

2) On or about 4 days ago, the female, on some occasions, was being chased away by the male (goes into hiding) and I observed that she started losing her colors (see 3rd photo). This behavior of chasing does not happen all the time. There are times which they are both together.

3) I've also noticed what seems like a white/brownish stringy poop, which I am not quite sure if this normal fish poop and is shown in the 3rd photo. This morning when I checked, I believe that the "poop" was not there but not really sure since I did not have much time to really observe her as I was running late for work.

4) With regard to my female's appetite, she seems to be shy but I occasionally see her eating (not as much as the male). She is more reluctant to eat. I currently feed flakes, pellets, tablets and once a week frozen food (she is not interested at all at the frozen bloodworms).

That sounds very much normal and expected for the conditions of the tank. Keep an eye on her, if the low appetite, white feces and pale coloration continue, you might be loosing her.

Seeing the pictures I'm also not really convinced the female is really a female.

 

[Kofteros]

I use that as well, works great. The female and the tetras will appreciate that stuff, the male might be already too big to see Artemia nauplii as food, but that seems to be very individual.

Will go ahead and order it then.

That sounds very much normal and expected for the conditions of the tank. Keep an eye on her, if the low appetite, white feces and pale coloration continue, you might be loosing her.

Will do. Forgot to mention that she occasionally scratches her boy either or the driftwood or substrate.

Seeing the pictures I'm also not really convinced the female is really a female.

Really? They were ordered from Ruinemans as a couple from my LFS. Time will tell I guess.

Many thanks.

 

[MacZ]

Really? They were ordered from Ruinemans as a couple from my LFS. Time will tell I guess.

Time will for sure tell. I'm having a hard time sexing domestic strains. These fish always look the same to me.