Setting Up New Tank

[mishmash]

Hi, Im a new member on here and have just managed to get a 2nd hand Interpet Riverreef 50 (24gallon) tank... the type with integrated filtration at the rear.

I want to set it up as a bit of a semi biotope aquarium, and have a pair of apisto's and maybe a pair of rams. I will try and provide different territories. I want to have other fish in the tank too, like some corydoras, and maybe a shoal of suitable tetras.

Im going to use playsand for the substrate (thanks to the guys who replied on where to source this cheap rather than buying expensive aquarium sand), but i saw some tanks with a sand AND grit type substrate. I gather the one i looked at was a reddish JBL product but this seems quite pricey. I do want some plants in there, so would welcome any advice on what substrates people are using for this type of set up. I want to encourage them to breed so please let me know what is best with that in mind.

Also i believe our water to be quite hard here, and above 7pH. What is the best way to make the water softer and more acidic without it bouncing back all the time.

Is is an OK idea in terms of what I hope to stock ? I think its big enough for two pairs of dwarf cichlids as long as they all get the ability to make their own areas. From what I have seen Rams are more mid column dwellers so Im thinking of trying to incorporate a mid level cave as well as one on the bottom for the apisto's.

What plants are best and prolific ?

Im hoping to put in a nice dwarf plec like an L204 or something too. And maybe some ottocinclus to handle any algae. What about snails and shrimps .. which ones will be ok in there ?

Finally, whose breeding these lovely fish and do you have any I can buy ? I live in Sussex, Can travel within reason and happy to arrange postage with twin heatpacks and overnight delivery etc.

So many questions, sorry, but i wanna get it right and am very keen to get started. Thanks in advance.

 

[minnnt]

Dwarf cichlids will prefer sand as a substrate. They will also prefer it well planted. Java fern, anubias and crypts are all tough plants and should serve you well.

Unsure if the tank is big enough for rams and apisto's though?

To buffer your ph down a touch then you can use bogwood, oak leaves, indian almond leaves, alder cones and peat.

Rams prefer their water a little warmer anyway so one species wouldn't be very happy with the temperature.

 

[mishmash]

Dwarf cichlids will prefer sand as a substrate. They will also prefer it well planted. Java fern, anubias and crypts are all tough plants and should serve you well.

Unsure if the tank is big enough for rams and apisto's though?

To buffer your ph down a touch then you can use bogwood, oak leaves, indian almond leaves, alder cones and peat.

Rams prefer their water a little warmer anyway so one species wouldn't be very happy with the temperature.

Hi minnnt, thanks for that... The apisto's are the star of the show for me so if the Rams prefer it hotter, I will leave them out probably. I was, however, under the impression that the apisto's and rams liked the same temp, so whats your take on each of their preferences please ?

 

[minnnt]

Apisto's are a little more tollerant of cooler waters around 25-26 celcius than GBR's are imo. GBR's can experience health issues if kept in cooler waters and do better in water that is around 28-29 celcius. Apisto's are also more tollerant of wider water parameters where as GBR's tend to need a very specific condition for them to thrive and do well. GBR's are just too fussy for my liking and that is the main reason why i would always choose Bolivians. Alot of Apisto's are fantastic, but for some reason they just don't seem to do it for me. I prefer fish that have a stronger bond (if having a pair and trying to breed) than Apisto's do also.

But you choose which ever fish you want mate, just ensure you get suitable tank mates that will also tollerate the temperatures needed.

 

[mishmash]

Apisto's are a little more tollerant of cooler waters around 25-26 celcius than GBR's are imo. GBR's can experience health issues if kept in cooler waters and do better in water that is around 28-29 celcius. Apisto's are also more tollerant of wider water parameters where as GBR's tend to need a very specific condition for them to thrive and do well. GBR's are just too fussy for my liking and that is the main reason why i would always choose Bolivians. Alot of Apisto's are fantastic, but for some reason they just don't seem to do it for me. I prefer fish that have a stronger bond (if having a pair and trying to breed) than Apisto's do also.

But you choose which ever fish you want mate, just ensure you get suitable tank mates that will also tollerate the temperatures needed.

Im pretty set on the Apisto's but what fish of similar size are you referring to that have a stronger bond, as breeding is definitely something i want to achieve. Well actually breeding and successfully raising fry

 

[minnnt]

Don't get me wrong, you will still be able to breed them, but the male tends to leave the female to do it all. I've had good experiences with anomalochromis thomasi. Although they are west african ciclids, they have very similar needs to american dwarfs. They lack the colours of apisto's though.

Check out bigbruiseral's apisto breeding thread for more info.

 

[mishmash]

Cheers minnnt, will check out that thread. Agreed, apisto's are definitely more colourful (well not all of course).

 

[minnnt]

The general readily available apisto's are very colourful ineed. I believe the thread is in the new tank forum.