Interested in cichlids....questions to follow!
- Thread starter anthoeny
- Start date
I've read around 
Thanks for the link .... Google IS my friend, I swear !!
Apistogramma cacatuoides (Dwarf Cockatoo Cichlid) seems like a good choice
...Do not wish to spawn, though
-What do you suggest I stock then [in a 10g] if I do not wish to spawn?
Just (1) A. cacatuoides....and something else/some other fish? Suggest?
-Thinking sand substrate
+Rock caves.......
Should I go with driftwood and live plants? Suggest live plants (tank will probably have moderate-ish lighting) ?
Thanks for the link .... Google IS my friend, I swear !! Apistogramma cacatuoides (Dwarf Cockatoo Cichlid) seems like a good choice
...Do not wish to spawn, though
-What do you suggest I stock then [in a 10g] if I do not wish to spawn?
Just (1) A. cacatuoides....and something else/some other fish? Suggest?
-Thinking sand substrate
+Rock caves.......
Should I go with driftwood and live plants? Suggest live plants (tank will probably have moderate-ish lighting) ?
Assuming you live in a place you can get Apistos in an Lfs I would say see what your lfs has or can order. Cacatuoides is a possibility, personally I have eunotus which do well in neutral water and would recommend trifasciata. You may want to mail these - you see some nice fish on aquabid. A lot of the apistos I have seen in shops in visits to the US have been so poor I would be loathe to buy them. The cacatuoides I have seen have had distinct signs of inbreeding , and over production.
I would still say get a pair - a single is not likely to be the most amazing fish in the world - a pair is better. In a 10 you put in a ton of small 84 to 5 inches) pieces of wood for caves, a pair of trifasciata, a very small fancy plec like a clown (? vittatta), and 6 cardinal or dwarf pencifish, a little bit java fern and have an awesome mini biotope
I would still say get a pair - a single is not likely to be the most amazing fish in the world - a pair is better. In a 10 you put in a ton of small 84 to 5 inches) pieces of wood for caves, a pair of trifasciata, a very small fancy plec like a clown (? vittatta), and 6 cardinal or dwarf pencifish, a little bit java fern and have an awesome mini biotope
Instead of 'In a 10 you put in a ton of small 84 to 5 inches) pieces of wood for caves,', read 'In a 10 you put in a ton of small (4 to 5) of wood for caves,'
Remember to stay on top of water changes. 1 or 2 gallons twice a week is not arduous, and a good thing. Water quality is better and easier than chasing an ideal pH or whatever for most of these fish though breeding is a different matter for some.
Remember to stay on top of water changes. 1 or 2 gallons twice a week is not arduous, and a good thing. Water quality is better and easier than chasing an ideal pH or whatever for most of these fish though breeding is a different matter for some.
Well, whatever you do, you should fishless cycle and then stock all at once to avoid ammonia spikes.
I think you're pushing it there for stocking... The Pencilfish are gonna be 2" a piece, and while they'll occupy a different part of the tank from the Apistos...you're gonna have to make sure you keep up your regular water changes and filter maintainence. There won't be a whole lot of room for error as far as your willingness and ability to take care of the tank goes...
I think you're pushing it there for stocking... The Pencilfish are gonna be 2" a piece, and while they'll occupy a different part of the tank from the Apistos...you're gonna have to make sure you keep up your regular water changes and filter maintainence. There won't be a whole lot of room for error as far as your willingness and ability to take care of the tank goes...