Originally Posted by
Daz
1. How big should the tank be for keeping them (say 3 fish since it is the recommended number for killie)?
2. substrate to use? gravel size?
3. slow moving / still water or fast moving?
4. can mix different breeds together?
Welcome, Daz, to our cozy little corner and I'm glad to see you doing the homework, before acquiring the fishes.
The good thing about killies is that they very flexible. If you need to display them, a planted 2 footer is adequate. Smaller tanks can be used for breeding them in pairs or trios (1M/2F). Whether it's bare bottom or UGF, is a matter of preference.
Most are not particular about filtration, be it a air-driven sponge filter or UGF. I have both setups and tend to prefer UGF for lower maintenance. Lonestar 8-mesh gravel is a good size.
Moderate aeration, with gentle water circulation can never be bad for fishes but since killies aren't built like loaches, don't overdo it. I've tanks that have high aeration and some with still water (no filtration) but loaded with plants.
Different genus can be safely mixed, provided they share the same water-requirements and females, distinguishable.
When I need more breeding tank-space, I may lump the Simpsonichthys and Aphyosemion in the same commune tank*, but NEVER two species of Aphyosemion or Nothobranchius in the SAME tank (and I don't trust acrylic partitions). They will interbreed and hybridize. Females are also visually difficult to differentiate.
* Be careful of developing eggs and hiding frys, before introducing the next species of killies.
I'm back & keeping 'em fingers wet,
Ronnie Lee
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