Dwarf Cichlids, In Tap Water

[AdAndrews]

Hi guys, i want a pair of dwarf cichlids for my 60cm tank, although my tap water is fairly hard and about pH7.6

how well do they do in this type of water? and has anyone had success?

also, how hardy are species like apisto's, i think i want a pair of panduro or similar.

and what temp?

thanks
Adam

 

[Bebobb]

I'd say that they should be fine with that pH. There are a few ways that you can lower it a bit, though. One of those ways is to put a bit of peat moss in the filter. Another way is to add bogwood to the tank. The bogwood releases tannins. The tannins slightly brown the water, but it also lowers the pH a bit. I personally think that the brown water is mighty fine looking if the tank has the right "theme".

 

[AdAndrews]

I'd say that they should be fine with that pH. There are a few ways that you can lower it a bit, though. One of those ways is to put a bit of peat moss in the filter. Another way is to add bogwood to the tank. The bogwood releases tannins. The tannins slightly brown the water, but it also lowers the pH a bit. I personally think that the brown water is mighty fine looking if the tank has the right "theme".

both those methods are a no no, its a planted tank, so i want to keep the water crystal clear. thansk for your help

 

[Wills]

Dwarf Acaras could do well any of the Laetacara species are quite flexable as regards water chemistry. Even if you have some wood that has stopped leaching it will help out. Dont know how it mixes with plants though? Nannacaras need planted tanks quite a few nice ones like Anomala or the zebra (cant remember scientific name) Krobias could be okay as well, sp red cheek xingu is nice and I know a place that sells them and does postage if they are far away from you

 

[AdAndrews]

Dwarf Acaras could do well any of the Laetacara species are quite flexable as regards water chemistry. Even if you have some wood that has stopped leaching it will help out. Dont know how it mixes with plants though? Nannacaras need planted tanks quite a few nice ones like Anomala or the zebra (cant remember scientific name) Krobias could be okay as well, sp red cheek xingu is nice and I know a place that sells them and does postage if they are far away from you

i will look into those species, thanks mate

 

[AdAndrews]

i'll go with Anomala, wildwoods have them in stock, so i'll get the tank sorted and buy then. out of intrest, can you tell me the place that you know could mail order them, incase wildwoods run out of stock.

and also, do you recommend i get 1 male and 1 female? or 2/1 or ???

thanks for your help bud

 

[ChilliPepper]

I have Bolivian Rams and Keyholes are they are fine in my water at ph 7.5. I don't do anything with the water as don't like to mess about with things. There are three pieces of bogwood in there, but I doubt they do anything.

 

[AdAndrews]

I have Bolivian Rams and Keyholes are they are fine in my water at ph 7.5. I don't do anything with the water as don't like to mess about with things. There are three pieces of bogwood in there, but I doubt they do anything.

thanks, i was thinking about bolivian rams, but i read they like to dig in some sand, so, with the tank planted 100% coverage that is not really a goer.

 

[bricko]

I have Bolivian Rams and Keyholes are they are fine in my water at ph 7.5. I don't do anything with the water as don't like to mess about with things. There are three pieces of bogwood in there, but I doubt they do anything.

thanks, i was thinking about bolivian rams, but i read they like to dig in some sand, so, with the tank planted 100% coverage that is not really a goer.

I have keyholes and curviceps in my planted tank with no worries whatsoever. Would highly recommend these fish to you, curviceps especially due to them being a very attractive fish colour wise.

 

[Wills]

Its coxwell aquatics off Aquarist classifieds. Im getting a group of Guianacara sphenozona from them, meant to be ordering today just waiting for them to ring me. The Anomala would be fantastic!! I really want some but they are a bit too small for my plans, just had a look on the Coxwell stock list and they have some Nannacara aureocephalus which are a red purple colour. If it were me I would do a male with a hareem of maybe 3 but to be fair they are pretty calm so you might be able to get 2 males in a 2 foot tank.

Just have a search for Laetacara sp Buckelkopf, cant remember if I mentioned it before but just be ready for your eyes to pop and jaw to hit the floor!!

Wills

 

[AdAndrews]

cheers, so if i go with a pair or hareem of any of the names mentioned, to go with my bn plec, and a shoal of tetras? i may try neons...

 

[fluvial]

My Appisto's are kept in a community tank with Barbs, Lemon Tetras, Platy's and Loaches.
The water is Ph 7.6 and I keep the temp between 23C and 24C.
They're thriving - displaying to each other and the F has several times laid eggs
so hopefing for success soon.
Apisto's are great characters and a joy to watch / own.

 

[AdAndrews]

thanks, my objective isnt really to breed them, just something nice and colourful really thats a bit intresting rather than the standard community fish.

 

[Wills]

A lot of people say that Nannacaras need dithers especially high water fish to show the coast is clear for them to come out. So maybe dwarf pencil fish? If you could research what would be biotope correct for them that would be amazing! You could probably safely house them with shrimp I think.

 

[AdAndrews]

A lot of people say that Nannacaras need dithers especially high water fish to show the coast is clear for them to come out. So maybe dwarf pencil fish? If you could research what would be biotope correct for them that would be amazing! You could probably safely house them with shrimp I think.

so many choices cant have shrimps anyway, i will be dosing high levels of easycarbo, which they are sensitive to.

some of the Anomala look very nice, when some like very dark and colourless, obviously im aware that the females are not as colourful as the males, but