rams, apistos

[andyt_uk]

seen some 'rams' in lfs today also some apisto nijsseni (panda?) for first time
i have a 30 ltr tank in need of new inhabitants - would it be too small for 3 mff of either?
if tank is ok, which do i go for? the ram (not sure what variety, or the apistos?
already have some apisto cacatuoides tripples in other tank and really like them

or should i get something less complex for such a small tank

all opinions gratefully recieved

 

[ryan]

i would get the pandas, i love them and i hav always wanted some but hav never seen them.

 

[Cian McLiam]

Nijsseni (Panduros) apistos are a nice little fish, they have some in the LFS at the moment too, I would get some but I wouldnt like to keep more than two species of apistos in the same tank. The females are spectacular when in breeding colours, much nicer than most females. I dont think they really show their true colours in any shop.

Rams can be a mine field, most I have come across are barely alive and I would advise asking whee they are from, far-east rams dont last long IME, German and Czech ones do much better and show better colours and fins. i think Rams should get the respect and treatment that Discus get but unfortunately dont because they are cheaper.

Both are great fish for a smaller tank though.

Ken

 

[joshua]

although i keep rams, i would definitely go with apistos. they aren't as common and hopefully ain't as in-bred as rams. rams IME has very wierd temperaments. since you have experience with apistos already, u shud get them