Dwarf Cichlid Tank

[SDWalters]

I have a 3ft 45Gal tank with SA dwarf cichlids (currently 2 x Bolivian Rams & 2 x Nannacara Taenia) couple of small plecs and some Harlequins

1) Do I have space for a pair of Apisto's?

2) Does anyone use Indian Almond Leaves or Peat Balls in their tanks for PH lowering / water softening? Are they any good?


Thanks in advance

Stuart

 

[da7thson]

I have a 3ft 45Gal tank with SA dwarf cichlids (currently 2 x Bolivian Rams & 2 x Nannacara Taenia) couple of small plecs and some Harlequins

1) Do I have space for a pair of Apisto's?

2) Does anyone use Indian Almond Leaves or Peat Balls in their tanks for PH lowering / water softening? Are they any good?


Thanks in advance

Stuart

I'm not going to comment on the space front as i've not been keeping aspito's long enough (have mine in a 125L with the stocking listed in my footer). However i would say that they tollerate higher PH than a lot of the sites recommend. I've currently got a three (a male and two females) and are in a PH just over 7, however i have nice soft water, and they are really happy and flurishing (i've had them between 4 and 5 months now).

Hope this is a little bit of help.

cheers

Andy

 

[ZoddyZod]

what pH do you currently have? Might already be ok.

In terms of having 6 apistos in that footprint, I have read that this may be an issue due to territory - but have no first hand experience of mixing them in a tank that size. Hopefully someone else has done it and can give you better feedback.

 

[stu40]

i always thought hardness was more of an issue than PH?

 

[SDWalters]

i always thought hardness was more of an issue than PH?

Hi I think the Hardness is more of an issue but in order to keep things stable I guess you want them to be in line?!

No one uses almond leaves or peat balls?

 

[SDWalters]

Can anyone help?

 

[TheRedDarren]

Hey man,
First I would say getting a pair or a trio might just be pushing it a bit, I have 4 rams and 2 pairs of apistos in a 4 footer and theres no way I could add any more to it. The apistos are just too territorial, thats my experience anyway.
With the peat and almond leaves... The peat is the best thing to use as it softens the water and releases tannins and hummic acids, the leaves only release tannins (which are antibacterial and very beneficial) so won't actually lower PH unless you have very soft water, my water is soft at dh 4 and the almond leaves don't touch the PH whereas if I use some decent peat it brings the PH down nicely.

Also, as you say, hardness is the bigger issue rather than PH, at least thats what seems to affect my fish...
HTH