Planning My Apisto Tank

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Aphotic Phoenix

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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?
 
Not sure if i can answer any of your specific questions but here's some anectodotal stuff from my experience with dwarf cichlids which may help you.

firstly, make sure there are enough little caves and territories for each of them, and then some spare ones. They can be fiesty little things and a bit territorial and they really do need their own spaces. In our main tank we've a big group of nanacara anomala which while they aren't apisto's, are basically the same thing. we've got some branchy bits of bogwood with absolutley shed loads of java moss on them. they love this as there's enough cover that it basically gives them all places to hide, and we love to see them darting in and out of it and displaying to each other.

particularly if you get them as juvi's, don't put them in with anything too quick and greedy like danio's. I had this problem before with some cockatoo's I had a while back. Really struggled to get them feeding cos as juvi's they were too shy to get out and get the food and the danio's just gobbled it all up. Ended up having to target feed which was a PITA and not always sucessful. If you get them as adults or sub-adults though this shouldn't be so bad, they get a bit braver as they grow up.

they will do better with some form of dither so definatley get some tankmates.

if you're concerned about your water then do look into the nanacara, they're basically apisto's but a bit hardier, beautiful little fish and v resilient.
 
if you use a HOB filter then put a sponge over the intake so it doesn't suck up the fry.
Locally bred fish should tolerate your water conditions, whereas wild caught stock will want soft acid water.
If you want hatchetfish then put a coverglass on the tank to stop them jumping out.
I don't normally bother with other fish in the tank if I am breeding apistogrammas. I simply have a pr in each tank and no other fish. They have a half flower pot on its side to form a cave, a couple of plants and a sponge filter. Then just feed them well a couple of times a day and do regular water changes to keep the water clean.
Apistogramma cacatuoides are one of the toughest and easiest to keep and breed. In alkaline water you will get a higher percentage of male offspring.
 
- 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.

Use either RO with a buffer, or RO with tapwater. Buffered RO is better as it has no nitrate or phosphate

- Dark sand substrate, most likely 3M Colorquartz in a black or brown.

A darker substrate really brings Apistos colours out, to light and they look washed out.

- 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

Use you low light hood and put in some low light plants, i like brazilian water ivy as it floats on the top, so no need for CO2.

Still debating:
- The specific Apisto species that I'll be going for, but am partial to going with a trio.

Macmasters, Hongsloi and Agassizi are my personal favourites

- 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 you dont have dithers the apisto's wont feel safe and you wont see them.

- 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?

We dont use HoB over here, I use a small external filter. You'll need plenty of bogwood to create lots of caves and territories.
 
AquaClear do a nice HOB filter and you can put some peat into a fine mesh bag (or stocking leg) and have that in the filter.
 
Been looking at the Ehiem 2213 canister filter since that's one of the smallest I can find in a reputable brand. Canister filters really do appeal to me, but double HoB's would not only be cheaper, but provides a failure back-up and the ability to set up a second tank immediately via filter transfer.

Buffered RO is better as it has no nitrate or phosphate
Very much agreed, but does add to the expense and the amount of water that I would need to purchase on a regular basis. Also, in the case of emergency where I might need to instruct someone else on how to do a water change it's much easier to say "put in X gallons tap, and X gallons from that big container". If I decide to seriously attempt breeding then I may be more tempted to go with a buffer.

Macmasters, Hongsloi and Agassizi are my personal favourites
I really like Macmasteri, but due to lack of availability I may have to go with something else.

Locally bred fish should tolerate your water conditions
Not an option unfortunately. Variety isn't something you see much of around here. Plus, part of the point is to "up" my fishkeeping skill by working with a different water condition than what I already have.

if you're concerned about your water then do look into the nanacara
I've considered them for my main tank, as well as Laetacara curviceps the latter of which I haven't been able to find anywhere.
 

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