I want to breed apistos and I need help ASAP!

[wtusa1783]

So I just went to a lfs and they had Apistogramma cacatuoides double red. They are selling a pair for $40. I would like to breed them. My ph is around 7.8 usually and and Hard ish water. Can I breed them? I have a 20 high community tank but it has a kribensis. I also have an empty 10 gallon but it’s obviously not cycled but I have plenty of cycled media and a seeded sponge filter. What should I do?

 

[FinalFins]

Get a cycled tank with a cave and some leaf litter, lower the hardness for best results for breeding and get your fish.

 

[wtusa1783]

Get a cycled tank with a cave and some leaf litter, lower the hardness for best results for breeding and get your fish.

So which tank? The 20 is cycled. How can I lower hardness?

 

[FinalFins]

a 10 is fine for breeding.

 

[wtusa1783]

a 10 is fine for breeding.

Will they survive in my parameters?

 

[FinalFins]

For breeding usually, you want soft water. But they will breed in hard water no doubt. But I hear you will get more fry from softer water.

 

[wtusa1783]

For breeding usually, you want soft water. But they will breed in hard water no doubt. But I hear you will get more fry from softer water.

Ok. Should I take the chance on them?

 

[FinalFins]

You probably will get some fry from harder water with these apistos.

 

[wtusa1783]

You probably will get some fry from harder water with these apistos.

So yes?

 

[MEWaters]

So yes?

i think he has said yes numerous times lol
good luck!

 

[wtusa1783]

i think he has said yes numerous times lol
good luck!

Thanks for the help! I just bought 1 male and 2 females! I’m so excited

 

[jake37]

Check the history of the fishes at the lfs. If they are tank raised (most are) esp if they are tank raised locally they will be well adjusted to your water. If they are from florida or similar and were raised in soft water they might need more time to adjust.
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As other said definitely the 10; the kribs and apistogramma will not get along. I have kribs and apistogramma in a 40B and it is a mess and neither are breeding age yet. I'm going to move one of them to another tank soon. At least my kribs are not friendly fishes and i'm sure they will be a lot worse when they become sexually mature.
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My favorite tank for them is a 20 long. If petco is having a dollar sale (I think they might) then you might consider getting one for $20. The 10 works of course but a 20 is really good for live plants and you could make quite a nice tank for them. Also - at least our local petco - has some really nice drift wood with areas under that can be used as caves - for a few dollars. It is somewhat soft wood so it won't last forever but the apistogramma will love the addition (look for a piece that is partially hollowed out underneath).
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Anyway some suggestions but i guess a lot depends on your budget.
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[wtusa1783]

Check the history of the fishes at the lfs. If they are tank raised (most are) esp if they are tank raised locally they will be well adjusted to your water. If they are from florida or similar and were raised in soft water they might need more time to adjust.
-
As other said definitely the 10; the kribs and apistogramma will not get along. I have kribs and apistogramma in a 40B and it is a mess and neither are breeding age yet. I'm going to move one of them to another tank soon. At least my kribs are not friendly fishes and i'm sure they will be a lot worse when they become sexually mature.
-
My favorite tank for them is a 20 long. If petco is having a dollar sale (I think they might) then you might consider getting one for $20. The 10 works of course but a 20 is really good for live plants and you could make quite a nice tank for them. Also - at least our local petco - has some really nice drift wood with areas under that can be used as caves - for a few dollars. It is somewhat soft wood so it won't last forever but the apistogramma will love the addition (look for a piece that is partially hollowed out underneath).
-
Anyway some suggestions but i guess a lot depends on your budget.
-

Thanks for the reply. I just bought a trio and I’m putting them in a 20 high and giving my female kribensis away. And yes I’m switching the 20 high to a long when the dollar per gallon sale is on. Thanks again.