Sli_1504 Posted December 8, 2003 Share Posted December 8, 2003 Hi all,We'll lately I 've been feeling a bit inspired to start a new planted tank, which may include some dwarfs. I am looking for a starting point. Can anyone help. I currently already keep malawai's.thanks in ad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gutty Posted December 8, 2003 Share Posted December 8, 2003 Rams like a low PH so should go well with some plants. Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sli_1504 Posted December 9, 2003 Author Share Posted December 9, 2003 Thanks MattI do like Rams. Has anyone got any other suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiona Posted December 9, 2003 Share Posted December 9, 2003 Take a look at www.thekrib.com. They have a lot about all sorts of dwarfs there (choose the 'apistogramma and dwarfs' link). See what you like and what is suitable for what you are planning. Come back here for further opinions. Many of them are available here - we can help you with availability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted December 9, 2003 Share Posted December 9, 2003 Stew, Nothing that looks better than a planted display tank IMO (except maybe a reef tank). Your query is a little vague, and is difficult to answer in one or two paragraphs. What exactly are you after. Advice on how to set up the subtrate/plants/lighting ? Or help/advice on the fish to go in the tank ? Availablilty of plants/fish ? Tank size ? You really need to give us more details of what you are after. Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sli_1504 Posted December 10, 2003 Author Share Posted December 10, 2003 DanielI am really more interested in availabilty. I really do like the Apistogrammaspp. I just really don't want to create a planted tank then find all the fish that I find appealing would are unsuitable. Sorry for being a bit vague....Fiona, thanks for the linkThanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 Most planted tanks ideally require a ph of 6.5 to 7.2, ideally around 6.8ph. Carbonate hardness should be between 3-6, with 4 degrees kh being ideal. Most the dwarfs you see in the shops have been acclimatised to conditions similar to this. So most dwarfs will be quite happy if you provide these conditions. Many will even breed in these conditions. Obviously wild caughts are a different matter and will require more specific conditions. Some dwarfs will even breed at around 8.0ph, (low kh) because they have been acclimatised several generations, I presume. Just make sure the water is well filtered, and do regular partial water changes. Keep nitrates low (a lot lower than for Malawi's) and obviously ammonia and nitrate should be near zero. If community set up, the larger the tank the better. 90cm or 120cm tanks even better. And dont overcrowd (like typical Mbuna set ups). With regard to availability, just ask on here what you are after and someone should be able to advise if you if available and where you can get it. Some will have to be ordered from wholesalers through your lfs, which is not difficult. I currently have a few excess 'German' Rams and some Apisto's available. Feel free to email me at marshresolutions@hotmail.com for further info on these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sli_1504 Posted December 10, 2003 Author Share Posted December 10, 2003 Everyone Thanks for the help, it is really appreciated.Daniel, thankyou for your input, I will be in touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YeW Posted December 11, 2003 Share Posted December 11, 2003 Hi Stew -I would NOT recommend Apistos. I personally don't think these are a good first dwarf. IME they are touchy little blighters.What I would suggest are either some Nanacara anomala (or the other species we have here) or Papiliochromis altispinosa (the bolivian ram).They are nice fish! Interesting and good choices for a first dwarf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountainmark Posted December 11, 2003 Share Posted December 11, 2003 or maybe the good old krib or some other Pelvicachromis. Kribs are pretty hardy and will cope with mos mistakes you might make in setting up your first planted tank. Some of the other Pelvicachromis are a bit touchier but still make decent first dwarfs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sli_1504 Posted December 12, 2003 Author Share Posted December 12, 2003 Thanks guysI will definately be starting slowly Dave. I was thinking of Kribs and 'bolivians' to start. Mountainmark thanks for reminding me off these little beauties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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