My humble apistogramma tank

**Dean** · 26th Jan 2011, 20:49

I'd makeover my tank from SE Asia biotope to apistogramma tank 2 weeks ago and I would like to share some pictures of my humble apisto tank.

plants: java fern, anubias nana, crypt and moss.
fish: 4 apistogramma cactuoides (1 male, 3 females) and 1 albino bristlenose plecostomus.

The water is yellowish because of the tannins from driftwoods and almond leaves. I apologise for the poor phototaking.

The FTS

Cave

Apisto Cacatuoides male

Albino bristlenose pleco

Apistogramma Cacatouides male

With flash
apistogramma cacatuoides females

**Jitticus** · 27th Jan 2011, 00:50

That's a very beautiful setup, but the hole is facing outside, might not be comfortable for the female to spawn in.

**sheng** · 27th Jan 2011, 08:57

May i suggest to shift the breeding pot to one side of the tank as when they start to breed, there are some room for the rest of the females.

**Apistoinka** · 30th Jan 2011, 21:02

nice setup bro... try to add more leaves to make it look more natural... if you do not want ur tank to be yellowish you can soak the leaves in a bucket first... spotted one of the female seems to be turning into its breeding colour...

**Dean** · 30th Jan 2011, 22:23

Thanks bros.

In the last few days, I noticed the male keep chasing 2 of the 3 females. The one particular female that was not chased by the male, has occupied the front cave. Most of the time she stay in the cave or near the cave. I'm not sure if the male and the female have spawned as I could not check under the cave to see if there are any eggs. At the moment I'm treating the tank from ick with API Super Ick Cure and I'm in the final stage of the treatment. Will the eggs or fry survive with the medication in the tank?

**adolfoi** · 30th Jan 2011, 22:29

Nice setup. Any idea will the albino pleco get aggressive with the the apistos?

**Dean** · 31st Jan 2011, 11:39

I never seen the albino BN pleco attack or chase the apistos. I have seen a female apisto attack once after when the pleco whiptail on to the face of the apisto.

Other than that, they just ignore each other.

**Apistoinka** · 31st Jan 2011, 18:40

Well I'm not sure if it will affect the spawning bro... But as what you said might likely spawn or getting ready to spawn bro... Might show the picture of the female near the cave so can know better...

**Dean** · 8th Feb 2011, 20:13

Now the water is clearer after I added active carbon in the filter to remove the medication I used to treat ich. Also, there are no more chasing or attacking among the apistos nor I can see any female occupying the caves.

With clearer water, I think it's more possible to get better photos than the last time.

The female (right) who previously occupied the front cave (the only female with no tear fin)

Thanks for viewing

**Apistoinka** · 11th Feb 2011, 16:51

your female looks golden in colour... should be in breeding mood... try feeding live food to spite them into breeding... it might work..

**ZackZhou** · 11th Feb 2011, 17:17

hi, i thought that the albino is actually L144?

**Dean** · 11th Feb 2011, 19:34

Yes I know it now.

The posts here is earlier than the post in the marketplace. I'll have another thought on whether to sell it or not. One main problem about pleco; always produce huge ammonia everyday.