I have a 10 gallon tank with 2 otto catfish, 2 male double red apistogrammas, and 2 female apistos. I didnt realize that apistos needed 30 plus gallons of water because they were so tiny when i got them but now they are outgrowing the tank... i dont have much room to work with but i would like to have a planted tank for them to breed in. If i take the ottos out can i get away with putting them in a 20 gallon long if i densely plant the tank? i dont think i can fit a 30 gallon in the spot that i have for them... ugh
Apistogrammas
- Thread starter Creamcrop
- Start date
i wouldnt just because how aggressive any cichlid can get while breeding. meaning both and lower level fish there will be issues. i would wait and see if you even get a pair out of them and maybe get rid of the other two. and the ottos are fine and do not add a lot to the bioload. but you should get a 20l for sure even just for a pair. maybe some tetras or any fish that does not hang out in the lower level like the apistos
how many gallons is 20 liters? sorry lol and i only was going to remove the ottos to give the apistos more tank space (cuz of the one inch of fish per gallon deal).. and do you know how to tell which apistos are pairing up? the dominant male is more likely to be the pair with the bigger female seeing as they kind of swim together-ish and the other smaller male and female are always hiding on opposite sides... should i really get rid of the others? even in a bigger tank? dang... and the tank i will have to go with is gna have to be a long wide tank i dont have room for much height... is that still ok for apistos? thanks!
20l=20 long 
and the inch per gallon has always been a debate with people on the forum. for beginners wit basic fish its a great tool. but you dont want to put a 7" angelfish in a 10g.
and can you tell the difference between females and males? males-pointed fins more colorful. females-round fins red bellies. youll know a pair when there are eggs or defined territory then you just watch who is guarding, the other two will be attacked and pushed up into the top corners of the tank most likely and could lead to sickness and the fish passing. so just keep an eye out for it.
and in the bigger tank you may be able to get away with it, i had 2 pairs of apistos plus a couple spare females in a 75g and they were fine for the most part. but they also had other fish to pick on and heavily planted and a bunch of driftwood.
what are the dimensions you have to work with? what about the 29g? it gives some more room to work with. same length as a 20g long but taller a bit
and the inch per gallon has always been a debate with people on the forum. for beginners wit basic fish its a great tool. but you dont want to put a 7" angelfish in a 10g.
and can you tell the difference between females and males? males-pointed fins more colorful. females-round fins red bellies. youll know a pair when there are eggs or defined territory then you just watch who is guarding, the other two will be attacked and pushed up into the top corners of the tank most likely and could lead to sickness and the fish passing. so just keep an eye out for it.
and in the bigger tank you may be able to get away with it, i had 2 pairs of apistos plus a couple spare females in a 75g and they were fine for the most part. but they also had other fish to pick on and heavily planted and a bunch of driftwood.
what are the dimensions you have to work with? what about the 29g? it gives some more room to work with. same length as a 20g long but taller a bit
i have a 29 in my living room and it is just a bit too tall for what i need.. i have approximately 20 inches high to work with and about 24 inches long because the dresser i have the tank on also has a snake tank on it... would a 20 tall be big enough for them? probably not since they need a 30 and a 20l might give them enough space.. so im thinking i might have to re-arrange my whole bedroom..