Alternative...

[minxfishy]

I think that comment was made because a trio is usually 1m 2f for apistos. 3 males wouldnt be appropriate to get a breeding trio.

 

[Tropical_Decade]

Okay, i appreciate that 3 males wouldn't be a breeding trio, lol.

Breeding isnt imperative, it would just be a nice addition to the hobby.

Would a pair or trio or Apistos go well with Odessa Barbs and YoYo Loach?

Cheers

Gaz

 

[minxfishy]

A trio, 1m 2f would be fine or 1m, 1f, I wouldnt go for 2m as you may end up with territorial disputes.

 

[MBOU]

My angels are 15-20cm nose to tail and the same upright as well! They wouldnt fit in a tank that size, people just dont appreciate how large angels can get, they keep growing late on in life!

From personal experiance, with apistos, i would go for one male and two females as it then spreads the harassment from the male out, then if they do pair up, the lone females seem to be happy mooching about on their own!

Another few species i like are Nannocara Anomola, Nannacara Aureocephalus and Laetacara Curviceps

 

[Tropical_Decade]

Okay thanks very much,

I will probably go for a pair.

Do i need to purchase several young and let them pair off? This was suggested to me for keyholes.

Or will they naturally pair if i just purchase one of each?

Thanks

Gaz

 

[Tropical_Decade]

Im actually developing a soft spot for these dudes...

Mikrogeophagus Ramizeri (Rams)

How would a pair fair in my tank? Would they stand up for themsleves against odessas? And Would they bully YoYos?

Thanks alot

Gaz

 

[MBOU]

Personally im sick of rams, they are so much more tempermental, they prefer much softer waters and 100% perfect water, and i also think thy are more wussy than some other dwarf cichlid species, they might get bullied.

The dwarf cichlids like apistos seem to pair up easily, just make sure you get a male and female and you'll be sorted.

 

[Tropical_Decade]

Okay thanks.

Its good to here some personal opinions for and against certain species.

Is it right that rams are short lived too? only 1 or 2 years?

Whats the lifespan for an apisto?

What do you think is the nicest looking apisto?

Cheers

Gaz

 

[minxfishy]

Im not into apistos, so cant advise on what type, but generally speaking they are much hardier than rams, particularly GBR, who are very sensitive to water quality, hardness, ph etc, many people have problems keeping GBR's past 6 months.

 

[Glenbo1981]

Rainbow Cichlid?

They are the same size as Keyholes,same temperment but very pretty colours.

 

[MBOU]

Rainbow Cichlids get bit bigger than Keyholes and arent nearly as gentle.

I have given up selling Rams in the shop, for exactly the last 6 months actually, they never seem to do very well, bearing in mind they were on same system as discus who are thriving beyond all expectation.

As for Apistos, my favourites are the ones i have, the Apistogramma Agassize "Double Red Blue Body", i'll see if i can find a picture of one similar...

http/plymouthfishkeeperssociety.co.uk/images/agassisi.jpg

^^mine is kinda like him but the silvery body on mine is more electric blue like you see on bright blue rams and when he displays, he is unbelievable. The female is a fraction of the size and mainly yellow as the females tend to be but she has red fins too and a lovely temperment, vey curious, always comes to the front of tank at feeding time!

 

[Glenbo1981]

Rainbows get to about 5" and are placid from what i read.

Mine is only 3" so I am not entirely sure.

 

[Bebobb]

I think that comment was made because a trio is usually 1m 2f for apistos. 3 males wouldnt be appropriate to get a breeding trio.

Also called a harem, 1 male, 2 females.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

they prefer much softer waters and 100% perfect water

Mine did great in a pH of about 7.5, and even bred in it, and I know we get locally bred Rams into our shop that are bred in our hard tap water. Rams do not prefer soft water.

 

[Tropical_Decade]

Thanks for the replys everyone.

Im going to try Apistogramma Agassizi i think.

MBOU - That fish you posted a picture of is stunning, i would really like a pair of those i think.

Many Thanks to all


Gaz