Apistogramma "bug"

[mincedmeat]

I had recently got bitten by the Apisto "bug". I am currently looking to host 3 pairs of different species of apistos in GEX "S" tanks. Would that fit? I read that it might be a squeeze especially if there were to be frys. Any advice?

[stormhawk]

Not advisable to use the S tanks. Minimum size should be L to a 2 ft tank to be successful. Even in L, you are pushing it because female apistos are capable of killing the males in such confined tanks when they are guarding egg or fry.

[Jitticus]

To be fair, I have managed to spawn diplotaenia in an S sized tank but you need to make sure it is a bonded pair and that there is plenty of hiding space.
Borelli is also a possible candidate as they are less aggressive (in my experience) and finally go for A. trifasciata. All these three species are among the smallest apistogramma. The last two are easy to get but diplotaenia has disappeared from the scene in recent times. I lost my entire brood to some mysterious disease.

[mincedmeat]

Alright, thanks for the feedback and advise guys. I have some spare space available, hence I was thinking of if I should get Apistos instead. Seems like it might be back to the drawing block!

[Sinubux]

Just pull the trigger.

[mincedmeat]

Going to!! I hope I don't shoot myself in the foot

[stormhawk]

Weigh your options first and see your budget, along with space constraints. No point buying then no space to put and create conflict with family members.

[mincedmeat]

No worries on this. I've got some spare space so was looking to try some things out. Thanks for the advice again stormhawk. Useful as always!

[stormhawk]

Bernie's tank layout might be a good option for you, for a low maintenance apisto tank. I think JZX should have their shipment in soon so you got time to plan before it comes.

[bernie]

This is what I started keeping apisto with.

[doppelbanddwarf]

Nice setup. Looks similar to the one genes had and featured on PraticalFishkeeping magazine previously.

[stormhawk]

chongyu, you got the article number? Or perhaps the edition in which it was featured? I'd like to have a read.

bernie, your setup was neat. How was maintenance like?

[doppelbanddwarf]

I saw it here.
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...hkeeping+genes

[bernie]

Usually is WC fortnightly, change filter wool when I see it's brown.

[stormhawk]

Ah yes that rack. I think Eugene was selling it some time ago. When I last saw him, he said he stopped keeping apistos and now fully into plecos.

[Aquanoob]

Bernard, very nice fish rack and tanks but I wonder what is your utility bill every month?

[doppelbanddwarf]

Yes I think he put it up for sale quite some time ago. So many have stopped keeping apistos.

[bernie]

Bernard, very nice fish rack and tanks but I wonder what is your utility bill every month?

No significant increase as I only use an airpump for the partitioned tanks. The rest (grow up, planted tanks) i using HOF and canisters are from eheim so power consumption are ok.