Thinking about getting an apisto pair

[Alexp08]

Hello, so i just started up a 20gallong high tank and ive been planning a stock list. I love cichlids and have normally stuck to Africans but this tank is too small for most Africans. So alot of people have suggested I get apistos but we're lacking on any info on them for me.

So to start.
My tank is technically a 24g but there is a 4gal overflow, so filtration is not a issue. The main part is 20 Gal. The dimensions of the main tank are approximately 23"x11"x18"

My waters ph is 7.4
The dGh is 6

With my tank im going for a clean simplistic look. So it will be lightly planted but not crowded with decor.

So is this tank suitable for a pair of apistos? I'm not actually looking for them to breed I just love the coloring they provide. So would two males be possible or would that lead to a massive fight?

Also id like some dither fish and just have the apisto's be a center piece.

So what advice could you guys give me?
Thanks!
What stocking advice out you give me. Thanks!

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[dw1305]

Hi all,

With my tank im going for a clean simplistic look. So it will be lightly planted but not crowded with decor. So is this tank suitable for a pair of apistos?

You need to have a bit of a re-think for Apistogramma etc, they like complex environments with lots of structure to break up line of sight.

This is a similar sized tank which housed a pair of Dicrossus maculatus (sadly deceased)

Have a look at <"Good habitat for Dwarf Cichlids">, <"Some pics from a basement....."> and <"All the leaves are brown">.

cheers Darrel

 

[Alexp08]

Based on my scaping are there any cichlids that would do well?

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[Mike Wise]

I'd suggest Lake Tanganyikan shell dwellers.