Your bound to pay 7-8( E 3.5-E 4) dollars minnimum for Apisto's. They are all about the same size, in the 2-4 inch range. The most common would be something such as a
Microgeophagus ramirezi or Ram Cichlid. They would be int he 7-8 dollar limit. There are different varieties of Ram Cichlids, such as the German Ram, the German Blue Ram, the Angel Ram ( albino version of German Ram), and the list goes on and on. Then you have Apistogramma borellii ( Will go by the name Borelli's Apistogramma) . They are more into the 9-10 dollar ( E 4.5-E 5) range. There are two common varaties. You have the regular Borelli's Apisto, and then you have the Blue Faced Borelli's Apisto. Very beautiful Fish. Then the most " least common, common" Apisto would be your Apistogramma cacauoides or Cockatoo Apistogramma . They are in the 11-14 dollar ( E 5.5- E7 ) range. They are , in my opinion the most beautiful Apistogramma you will EVER lay eyes on. They come in varaties such as: Red, Double red, Orange Flash, Yellow , Double Yellow, ect.
You may be aware, but Apisto's require a Ph of 7.0 or Lower if they are to thrive. Sure, they may "switched" to harder water , but it dosent do them any good. Especially if you wish to breed them. The higher ph will adversly effect the eggs, in which the each will become harder to penetrate, and the sperm will just die in the water, and then your eggs will go bad. They also require frequent water changes. As nitrates have a more poisinous effect on the fish at a lower ph level.
I hope you dont mind me asking, but what size tank is this for? How many fish and what type? How long has it been set up?
