What water conditions for nothos ? for A Australes

[wcknight]

What would be the ideal water conditions for Nothos (Rachovii, Rubipinnis, and Guntheri) and what would be ideal for A Australes and some dwarf cichlids like Ramerzi ?

How do you prepare the water that you use for water changes ?

What additives do you use, chlorine removers etc.


Do you use a RO system ? or ultra violet sterilizer etc. Also what are you using for filtration, undergravel, corner filters, sponge filters, power filters ?

thanks,
Wes

[TyroneGenade]

The best water is soft with a high alkalinity. This can be had by adding a little slaked lime (Ca(OH)2) to the water. You want a pH about 7. Hard water impairs Notho fertility IMHO. A crashing pH is asking for velvet. Adding salt helps but IMHO harms the fish. Ian Sainthouse backs me up on this. He feels the fish live shorter lives. So do I. (High blood pressure?)

I do not use addatives etc... Fresh from the tap, but I have a good water source.

For Nothos, No filters, just lots of floating plants. Keep stocking density low, about 10 fish per 40 L (10 gallons). Otherwise, free standing sponge filters or box fitlers. All air driven.

I would say the same for AUS and rams oddly enough, except let the pH drop to about 4--5!

just MHO.