Can anyone recommend me on what Apistogramma to get?

[Don90]

Hi all, I'm thinking of getting a pair of Apistogramma for my 2 feet community tank.

I have some very small tetras(tiny cardinals and rubies), so I would like an Apisto that would not eat/disturb them.

I think my tank's PH would be around 6.8 as I'm using the Azoo soil.

Thanks.

[trident]

Don,
Generally your tank condition is alright for apistos. They wouldn't eat the tetras, PH is OK.
There are so many varieties out there, for starters maybe a pair of Ap. cacatuoides or Ap. agasizii. But it's better you check out the variety that is available, then pick the one you like. No point ending up with a pair that you don't like.
Read some of the threads here and get a better understanding of Apistos before committing.

[Don90]

Thanks trident, is it better for me to lower the PH even more so as to suit their requirements?

And BTW, does tetra's blackwater extract help to lower PH?

Thanks.

[trident]

Don,
PH at 6.8 is exceptable, but if you want to breed them, than lower to between 5-6. My tank PH is 7. Blackwater does lower the PH some, but will turn the water black too. And expensive to boot. Ketapang leaves is free, lowers PH some but will turn the water yellow.

[benetay]

Tetra blackwater extract doesn't stain the water neither does it lower the pH to desirable value. If you're on a budget, ignore the blackwater extract. You might want to use peat. There is this super peat from Sera i think that doesn't stain the water. Brings the softness of water down quite well.

6.8 sounds perfect for apisto aga/caca. They generally don't need very low pH. Caca can do well up to pH 8.(for some)

There is a great influx of A.caca nowadays. Maybe some kind apisto hobbyist might want to sell their fries too.

2ft tank can house 1 pair perfectly.

Welcome to the apisto side(dark side)

[riltz]

use sera peats, they're are the best! My tank's ph value is 5.5 to 6.0 and i'm using peats with ada soil.

[Don90]

Wow, thanks everyone.

So what's the use of Tetra's blackwater extract?

And do Apistos produce as much waste as guppies?

And would they spawn at PH6.8?

Do they like strong currents?

Thanks, hopefully I can spot some people selling Apistos in the forum!! Can't wait to get mine soon!

[benetay]

Blackwater extract suppose to lower the pH level . Yes i believe if taken good care of, 6.8 shouldn't be a problem.

Just have a few hide out & spawning sites for apisto to rest. They generally prefer sticking to slower water movement.

[leeruisheng]

I have a different experience. Tried both Tetra blackwater and Sera super peat and both browns the water.

[illumnae]

tetra blackwater doesn't stain the water for me

with a ph of 6.8 and if you want to breed them successfully, i'd recommend A. cacatuoides or A. agassizii as has been mentioned above. other species can definitely be kept in that ph, and even bred if you're lucky, but it's not ideal for them

[benetay]

Tetra blackwater shouldn't stain the water as mentioned. Maybe a slight brown stain in the beginning and should dissipate soon after.

A green hue have been observe once dose into the water.

I think tetra blackwater extract doesn't stain the water as much as other brands of blackwater extract sold in the market.

[Don90]

Okay.... either agassizii or caca.

I heard that caca is smaller than agassizii bit more aggressive, is that true?

I like this piece from this thread....http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=34765

Can anyone tell me the approximate price range for something like this?

Sorry.

[benetay]

A.caca & A.aga are almost similar in size when they're fully grown. A.caca are more aggressive but fear not, we're not putting more than 1 pair of apisto in the tank right? Apisto generally do not harass the other tank mate.

Price varies from $30 a pair to $400 a pair depending on which type of A.caca you're looking for. I'm sure you'll find something you like within your budget.

Cheers!

[illumnae]

these days if you're getting from home breeders you can get a pair for under $10 even...but you gotta catch the right deal at the right time of course, there may not be any homebred stock at times

[genes]

Go for Ap. cacatuoides for a start if you are meddling with apistos for the first time. Reasons already stated in other thread.

Sera peat will brown the water initially. But after sometime, it will stop leeching and you'll get crystal clear water. I used sera morena to bring the water hardness down too. And this also browns the water.

[cricha]

I use just enough ADA Afrikana to lightly cover the bottom of the tank. Gives me a PH of around 5.

I agree with Eugene, give Ap. cacatuoides a try.

[Cacatuoides]

Ap. Cacatioudes is a very good apisto for every beginner, its not that cost but gives you many valuable lessons to learn about the behaviour of apistos... They're hardy and very beautiful!!

Welcome to the apisto club!!