Apistos

MonteSS · Feb 8, 2010

I have a 26g bowfront that I am making a 3d backround for. I think I would like to try a pair of Apistos if possible.

My ph is around 7.2. Tank is only 24" long.

Can you reccomend a type and where I might get them. Pictures would help too.

I would also like some cories and cardinal tetras if they will fit.

I may even try real plants for the first time.

Thanks...Bill

MonteSS · Feb 8, 2010

I like the Borelli (blue) if this is possible.

Will one male and two female fit in this tank?

Thanks...Bill

MonteSS · Feb 10, 2010

Any advice? Is Borelli OK for this tank?

Thanks...Bill

jonclark96 · Feb 10, 2010

I have very little experience with apistos, and it didn't go very well for me. I think if they are the only cichlids you have in the tank, it would be good for them. I tried to keep mine in a tank with some geos, and it was just too stressful for them at the size I had them. Most things that I have read since then say that a tank of that size would be appropriate for a pair. I think they enjoy plants and lots of hiding spots.

Some of the vendors on the site have good apistos, try amazon basement, frybabies, or anubias design.

Good luck!

finzz · Feb 10, 2010

IMHO, Borelli are perfect. They don't take up much room, are some of the easiest Apistos to keep, and usually aren't as reclusive as some others. If all you're keeping are Borelli, some Corydoras and some tetras in the tank they should thrive. You shouldn't have to do anything with your water, either. I've had Borelli spawn and raise young in my well water, which is 7.4 pH. I don't recommend it, but I've had 25+ in a 15 gallon tank without a problem, but I do lots and lots of big water changes. Good luck with the project!

chris_todd · Feb 10, 2010

Bill, I'm no apisto expert, but what you describe sounds like a nice setup! I have an A. macmasteri pair in a 20 high planted community tank, with giant danios, a pair of golden wonder killifish, siamese algae eaters, and a dwarf puffer (to try to control the snails). The dwarf puffer is by far the meanest fish in the tank - the macmasteri get along just fine with everyone else.

In my heavily planted 90g tank, I have a pair of A. cacatuoides 'Orange Flash' that have spawned several times (about a half dozen fry survived). The tank mates there are a discus pair, five German Blue Rams, a half dozen cories, some otocinclus, two ancistrus, a few amano shrimp, and a school of cardinals. My tap water is Baltimore City, and comes out of the tap at about 7.8, but the plants, driftwood, and CO2 keep the tank at about 7.2.

I'm a plant guy, so I have plants in every tank except my 65g Lake Malawi tank, so I would definitely say go for plants. Though if you've never tried them before, that will add an additional learning curve (though not a terribly steep one). Folks here, or on the GWAPA forum, can help.

I know Rachel (msjinkzd) has been spawning A. cacatuoides 'Orange Flash', though I don't know if they've reached saleable size yet. In addition to the other vendors already mentioned, I know several folks in PVAS are keeping and breeding several species, you might try there as well.

www.cichlid-forum.com has lots of species profiles and pictures, though you should be able to find lots of info here by searching on apisto or apistogramma.

Jumbie · Feb 10, 2010

Apsitos would do great in the set up that you have Bill, I would go with whatever sp. of Apistos that you like and give them a try. Rach also has some Inka 55 (sweet) or at least she use to lol.

msjinkzd · Feb 10, 2010

cacatuoides do great in that range. There are a ton available. I am partial to the orange species but also am getting some different types to try. My ph is 7.8, gh 10, kh 14 and I have about 100 cac fry from various spawns growing out.

Here is a pic of my male and female orange cac: