Bolivians Or Apistogramas..

[AnimalHouse36]

So, for the 55 gallon I've set up I've pretty much decided on the following stocklist:
15 Cardinal Tetras
15 Cories
10 Emperor Tetras

Now I was wondering would a few Bolivians or a few Apistogramas be more combatible?
The pH hovers between 6.9 and 7.1
And the temperature can be adjusted to the needs of the fish.

I'm having a hard time choosing between the two, although the Bolivians are in a LFS where as I'd have to hunt for the Apistogramas.

I just wish I had the right water parameters to get a German Ram.

If you guys have any suggestions on the stock list, feel free to voice them!

 

[TheRedDarren]

Try both..? I've got 4 Bolivians, 2 A. Cacatuoides and 2 A. Panduro in my 240l, there is a bit of a squabble now and again but nothing serious.

 

[kribensis12]

I prefer Apistograma's.

 

[NathanPrince]

I too have both, aslong as you provide enough cover in the form of caves and plants they will each pick their own terratory and stay out of each others way.

Ive not seen any aggression between my Rams and Cacatuoides even though there is fry in the tank

 

[tmh0921]

I prefer Apistos - I have Agassizi and Rotpunkt species

 

[GShorty1981]

Apistos look nicer but are alot more expensive and are a lot weaker.

If you are keeping dwarfs for the first time, go for Bolivians.

 

[TheRedDarren]

Weaker? In what way?

 

[GShorty1981]

Just like Neons are weaker than say Tiger Barbs.

They are very interbred and need specialist water to thrive.

If your up for that then go for it.

Bolivians are a great starter dwarf, tough as nails, will thrive in a neutral set up etc, will mix in communitys better, i had mine with big cichlids like Severums and with big gouramis etc, they fit in well.

Approach Apistos like you would German Blue Rams, not the same water stats, but the same kinda weakness etc.

 

[BigTom]

Get some nice Apistos that have come from a decent breeder/importer rather than the common line bred ones, there are some really great species out there.

 

[AnimalHouse36]

Just like Neons are weaker than say Tiger Barbs.

They are very interbred and need specialist water to thrive.

If your up for that then go for it.

Bolivians are a great starter dwarf, tough as nails, will thrive in a neutral set up etc, will mix in communitys better, i had mine with big cichlids like Severums and with big gouramis etc, they fit in well.

Approach Apistos like you would German Blue Rams, not the same water stats, but the same kinda weakness etc.

Huh, I've never heard that before, but it does make sense.
In terms of water conditions, what do they need?

 

[TheRedDarren]

Just like Neons are weaker than say Tiger Barbs.

They are very interbred and need specialist water to thrive.

If your up for that then go for it.

Bolivians are a great starter dwarf, tough as nails, will thrive in a neutral set up etc, will mix in communitys better, i had mine with big cichlids like Severums and with big gouramis etc, they fit in well.

Approach Apistos like you would German Blue Rams, not the same water stats, but the same kinda weakness etc.

Huh, I've never heard that before, but it does make sense.
In terms of water conditions, what do they need?

No nor me, but it does make sense, thanks for the tip!
Normally soft with a low PH, in some cases a very low PH like 5.5

 

[AnimalHouse36]

Alright, well it looks like I'll be getting the Bolivians seeing as Apistogrammas need such specialized care, and I don't want to get them knowing I can't fully provide for them.

For the Bolivians, would a ratio of 1 male to 2 females suffice?

 

[TheRedDarren]

Not all apisto's need that low a PH, just a minority, but as said above if its a first cichlid go for the rams

 

[minnnt]

Bolivians will be better if kept to a single pair imo. Although there is some cracking Apisto's i would still go for Bolivians. They are fantastic and once settled in they are alot more prettier than in the LFS tanks.

 

[GShorty1981]

Yep i agree, they always look crap in lfs tanks, like grey and brown, but once settled they go red and blue and get trailors on there fins when they get bigger.

Another hardy option is Kribensis, they are good with smaller fish, even tho they are african, they suit a new world tank better.