help with new tank

[HeatherC]

I've just bought a 10 gallon tank and I was considering trying apistos. The cockatoo cichlids in particular caught my eye. This will be my first venture into the apisto world. Does anyone have setup suggestions?

ie.. plastic vs live plants
flowerpot?

Do I need dither fish? If so will danios do?

What are other suitable tankmates ... maybe dwarf pleco?

Thanks
Heather

 

[mikewang]

Cockatoos are great beginner apistos. i think they are one of the best looking ones too. a pair will do well in a 10gallon. dither fish can be small school of fish. danios are fine. personally i like rummy nose because you might be lacking mid-swimmers if you keep danios.

a dwarf pleco is fine. otto cats are good too.

 

[Neil]

HeatherC,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

I agree; A. cacatuoides is a great choice. They require very little except for clean water, good food and a place to spawn, if that is your desire. You can get alot of info about them via a search above. Type in cacatuoides and you will get hundreds of posts about them. Research is key in preparing to keep Apistogramma, even the easier species like cacatuoides.

Dithers and tankmates are not absolutely necessary, but there are many to choose from. Do a search for peoples experiences with different kinds.

Rocks, wood, plants, flowerpots, leaves, etc. are all acceptable tank decor. Some are primarily used for structure to establish boundries of territories or places to hide. Others are used for spawning sites. However, apistos will spawn where they will spawn, so it is a good idea to give them several choices. Plants, whether artificial or not, are a subjective thing. Live plants have certain additional benefits, but also have their draw-backs. I use both types in my tanks, but prefer live for the small help in water chemistry, base for micro critters to help feed small fry and general looks.

Good luck and keep us posted,

Neil

 

[HeatherC]

Well found a beautiful pair of A. cacatuoides (orange flash variety) at the fish store. (Anyone visiting Charleston SC should stop by Tideline aquatics they really have great fish. I also pickup up a four handsome young double black angels.) I’m putting the cockatoos in the 20 gallon tank with the angels while their tank cycles. I’m really excited as this tank is small enough to fit right by my bed so they’ll be the first thing that I see when I wake up in the morning.
The guy at the fish store recommended that I feed the angels twice a day because they’re young and blacks tend to be a weaker strain. I’m alternating feeding frozen baby brine shrimp and flake food. Will this be ok to feed the apistos as well? I’m also thinking that I really will have to keep an eye on the nitrates. I think I’ll increase the water changes to twice a week until the cockatoos can be settled into their new home. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks
Heather