Introducing apisto

[BlackDye]

Hello people, I'm new to apisto. Like to ask if I were to introduce a pair of apisto into a new tank, do I put in the male or the female first? The other piece i will put in floating betta box. Say both were not bonded size about 1"+. the tank is a 12" cube, quite heavily planted with only 1 oto. Thanks in advance.

[genes]

No hard rules on this, but on the safer side since males are usually more aggressive, you can release the female first to let her climatise to the new environment. But i used to release both in together and they still do fine. Add some hardscapes into the tank too for the female to hide. Ceramic pots or those small caves from brands like GEX will do fine too.

[BlackDye]

Thanks bro, actually I have not get any yet. Still sourcing... Just want to make sure I do it right.

[genes]

JZX Boutique at Ang Mo Kio carries some nice apistos at times. Some occasions the uncommon ones. C328 will have the more common ones.

[BlackDye]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on JZX's stocklist.

[doppelbanddwarf]

Personally I prefer to put them both together into the tank. I find it hard to keep them healthy in those floating betta boxes. If really needed I would use the L size Satellite brand hang on type of breeder box.

[BlackDye]

Thanks guys for the advise. If you see any nice hongsloi, agazzi or Viejita do let me know. Thank you.

[BlackDye]

My simple 12" cube where I plan to keep my apisto. Been running for about a month now. The PH is 4.5-4.7, other parameters I did not measure.

[genes]

I would put much more driftwoods and plants in the scape for more hiding spaces. I'm always going for the "be on the safe side" mentality especially if a pair of rare apistos cost hundreds of dollars. If you can still find my tank post, you will see my 1.5ft partitions are always filled with java ferns and Nanas.

[BlackDye]

Alright. Will add more plants before I bag the fish. Thanks for the wonderful advise.