substrate choice

[craigieboi]

hi guys im looking to set up an apisto tank having switched from marine to freshwater...
im looking for a black sand type substrate and thinking maybe eco complete but have read a few 'bad' reviews of it also what test kits do u all use as im wasnting a ph range of about 5-7 but cant seem to find them that low and range

 

[marnold00]

With regards to substrate - im glad youre looking at sand. Apistos like sand mine used to filter it through his gills for food.

Black sand can be quite expensive, and with black sand detritus and waste shows up easier than some lighter colours - just something to bear in mind a common favourite on this forum is play sand


As for test kits, most people us the API master test kit. This will cover your pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Yes it seems expensive but its accurate, easy to use, and will last you a very very long time.

With apistos, pH is less important. Slightly acidic water is best but a pH between 7 and 7.5 is ok. What matters most is the pH doesnt change too much.

Also the water cannot be too hard. It will be worth finding out your KH and GH. You dont necessarily need a test kit for this - your water provider should be able to give you the values

 

[marnold00]

Just to add, how many apistos and of what sex are you planning? They get very territorial. Youre best having 4-5 caves and then 3-4 females will choose one each. You can then add one male. He'll patrol the tank guarding all of them. The females will keep their cave clean by fanning out waste etc. They'll also mother their young.

What size is the tank youre planning? A 3-4ft long tank would be perfect

Also youll need dither fish so a good size group of schooling fish that swim towards the top of the water column. The dither fish give the apistos a sense of safety and will make them more active

Sorry if youre more experienced than this and already know these facts, but maybe itll help somebody reading this topic

 

[craigieboi]

thanks marnold and no need for any apoligies ... my tank is a sumped 7oox300x300
i know black sand is pricier than play but i think the black will make the colours stand out better
my water is pretty soft (staying in scotland)

 

[craigieboi]

apisto stocking levels was hoping for maybe 2 males n 6 or so females or maybe 2 different types of apisto and nanachromis or similar along with a nice shoal of something ..( dunno what yet lol)

 

[StandbySetting]

Unipac Limpopo sand - used it for years, fantastic stuff.