My low tech 1ft Apisto Tank

[Tony]

Hi all, here's my newly setup low tech tank to house my apisto gephyra pair. Previously housed in a 25cmx16cmx16xcm tank; but the female's tail was badly nipped, so relocate them to this 30cm cube after some planning and lots of help from fellow forumers.

Special thanks to bro Salphur for the generous variety of beautiful and healthy plants and sharing of ideas. It has always been a pleasure talking to you. And not to forget bro E-mini for letting go the 30cm cube tank & soil in such good condition (very nice gesture of him to even sms to follow-up and check if the tank is ok after collection).

Comments are welcomed.

[eMaZroy]

Wow bro...very nice setup..I used to keep apistos too..they're very shy fishes that needs a lot of hiding places..Perhaps you can buy some caves for their hiding place? Just an opinion.

[SCOPE]

very nice setup...a fish haven for apisto

[iwishweallcouldwin]

Nice setup! You can try adding some caves.

[Wackytpt]

Hi Tony,

You just need a cave for your setup.

Cheers

[Tony]

Hi Bros,

Thanks for the comment. I actually have a coconut hask with spikey moss but find it too big to fit in the 1ft whch now look quite cramp. Was thinking of putting near the right side of the DW; but that spot is already taken by my sub-adult gujing (not visible as it has not grown out of the soil fully, only closer look will see it as the setup is only 2 days old)... Will source for something smaller to squeeze into the right corner behind.

[Wackytpt]

Hi Tony,

Look for celticfish sale thread for apisto cave.

I personally felt that is a ideal cave for apisto.

Cheers

[Tony]

Thanks Nicholas for the heads up, I'll keep a lookout for his thread I'm hoping to get something that is small approx 6cm diameter shell/cover to fit the tight corner. In the mean time will plant more rotala to offer some cover till a small cave is found.

[iwishweallcouldwin]

alternatively you can also source for small ceramic indian oil lamps and chip and chip a small opening as the entrance of the cave:



I got the ceramic oil lamps from an indian shop near CCK interchange for 1 dollar each. Diameter is close to 8cm. But try to keep the entrance just big enough for the apisto to enter.

[Tony]

alternatively you can also source for small ceramic indian oil lamps and chip and chip a small opening as the entrance of the cave:



I got the ceramic oil lamps from an indian shop near CCK interchange for 1 dollar each. Diameter is close to 8cm. But try to keep the entrance just big enough for the apisto to enter.

Hi Bro Iwishweallcouldwin,

Very innovative indeed I will go look for similar concept; but small ones. Thanks!

[bluetbk]

Bro, that's really very innovative. After doing a major scaping for my 1ft today, i am thinking on where and how to put a cave for my pair of apisto. Thanks for the idea

[iwishweallcouldwin]

Glad to help, I'm quite sure the smaller ceramic oil lamps are even more common. This method of making caves has actually been used by many many other more experienced apisto keepers even before I started the hobby. I found that out, and many other valuable information about rearing and breeding apistos through this forum. Have fun setting up your tanks!

[Tony]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your suggestions. I managed to find an old aroma pot that was bought from Diaso previously and added it into the tank (attached an overview of it tucked into the tight corner and a close-up with the male passing by). I've also added some galaxy into the tank as dithers and it helps make the apisto less shy.

[e-mini]

Looks good. Hope your apisto breed in the tank.

[Tony]

Thanks Bro! But somehow I had this feeling the "female" could be a sneaker because the finnage looks very extended except for the rounded tail as opposed to the spade-like as the only consolation... may have to hunt for another female if things don't work out... else keeping them as it is for viewing pleasure instead of breeding is also not a bad idea too

[iwishweallcouldwin]

Nice placement of the cave. If you want the cave to look even more natural can consider tying some moss or plants around the pot as well. Enjoy your apistos! Welcome to the club

[Tony]

Hi Bro Iwishweallcouldwin,

Thanks for the encouragement. I've posted in the cichlid section with pictures of my pair seeking for help to identify if I have a pair or a sneaker inside. Hope to get more help to sex them.

http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=46633

[Salphur]

Tony,
it's my pleasure to chat up with a fellow hobbyist as well! Hee hee, will pay you a visit next time if convenient to check out your projects.

Hope you CO is happy with your new setup. It's looking good!


Cheers!

[Tony]

Hi Bro Salphur,

You are most welcome to visit. Give me a beep on Thurs night if you are available to drop by and see the tank. So far the plant and fishes are adapting well

[Tony]

Hi All,

An update on my tank. I've just added an apisto cave (just got from bro celticfish) and also planted a small pot of tiger lotus into the tank.

Now contemplating to get a pair of aga(need to first sell my male gephyra and unknown) or continue to hunt for a female gephyra. Have posted on the marketplace without much success so far http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=46704