Aphotic Phoenix
Fish Addict
Currently in the planning stages of setting up a 20G L Apistogramma tank, and since I haven't finalized all of my decisions I'm trying to get a little advice on what equipment options would give me the most flexibility.
What has been finalized:
- Altered water chemistry. Have hard tap water ( ~8.2-8.3 pH, and ~ dh >18) that has an ugly TDS content, phosphates, silicates, etc, and want to gain experience in utilizing methods such as using RO water to "cut" the tap.
- Dark sand substrate, most likely 3M Colorquartz in a black or brown.
- Fake plants with the possibility of a few low light real plants. Already have a planted tank, and a spare lower light hood...thus I don't want to bother with the extra expenses of purchasing a new light system, ferts, CO2, etc
Still debating:
- The specific Apisto species that I'll be going for, but am partial to going with a trio.
- Inclusion of dithers, and what species. I'm very tempted by Rasbora maculata, but am concerned about compatibility especially considering their tiny size. On some Apisto forums I've seen pencil fish and hatchets recommended, but due to tank dimensions the lower water line recommendation for hatchets is unappealing.
- If I will purposefully pursue breeding. One of the LFS will be quite happy to buy them since it's difficult to get them via their distributor, but of course that means more tanks for raising the fry, etc.
- Inclusion of peat moss in the filters.
Originally I was considering the use of two HoB filters (partially due to the tank size, cost, and ease of use), but what brands of HoB filters available in the US would be best option if I planned on using peat in the filters? Other equipment / stocking suggestion?
What has been finalized:
- Altered water chemistry. Have hard tap water ( ~8.2-8.3 pH, and ~ dh >18) that has an ugly TDS content, phosphates, silicates, etc, and want to gain experience in utilizing methods such as using RO water to "cut" the tap.
- Dark sand substrate, most likely 3M Colorquartz in a black or brown.
- Fake plants with the possibility of a few low light real plants. Already have a planted tank, and a spare lower light hood...thus I don't want to bother with the extra expenses of purchasing a new light system, ferts, CO2, etc
Still debating:
- The specific Apisto species that I'll be going for, but am partial to going with a trio.
- Inclusion of dithers, and what species. I'm very tempted by Rasbora maculata, but am concerned about compatibility especially considering their tiny size. On some Apisto forums I've seen pencil fish and hatchets recommended, but due to tank dimensions the lower water line recommendation for hatchets is unappealing.
- If I will purposefully pursue breeding. One of the LFS will be quite happy to buy them since it's difficult to get them via their distributor, but of course that means more tanks for raising the fry, etc.
- Inclusion of peat moss in the filters.
Originally I was considering the use of two HoB filters (partially due to the tank size, cost, and ease of use), but what brands of HoB filters available in the US would be best option if I planned on using peat in the filters? Other equipment / stocking suggestion?