Future Apisto tank q's

[emartin]

I just wanted a few ideas and suggestions on my first Apisto tank...

Well here's the first question, would they co-exist with a pair of German Blue Rams Mikrogeophagus ramirezi? And if they can, what would be a minimum tank size?

What other non-cichlid inhabitants could go in the tank? I'm not familiar with the basic tropical fish other than plecos, guppies, and Synodontis. What about Galaxy Rasbora/Celestial Pearl Danio (forgot the latin name)?

Anyway the tanks I have available to devote to these guys are 20g-High, 20g-Long, 15g, and a 10g. What would work best for them?

~Ed

[Bev N]

The 20 long would be the best as it would offer the most amount of space since both rams and apistos will stay near the bottom of the tank.

As for uppper level fish cardinals, hatchets and pencils would make good additions. Corys work well for clean up. There are some nice small plecos but they are not much for cleaning up algae. Ottos are better for that.

[chris1932]

Copella would be an ideal upper level fish.

[emartin]

Are both species fine with sand, and how many hiding places should I provide? What about driftwood, or plants? (If they need plants then I'll just go with a fluorite substrate and likely anubias nana or something).

~Ed

[chris1932]

Flourite is a fracted substrate. If you use it and have Corydoras in the tank it is best to cap it over with fine white or tan sand. Driftwood and stones that form caves are a must. It will give females a place to retreat to lay eggs. Anubias or Crypts will do fine in the lower light that Apistogramma prefer. Some small floating plants like Frogbit or Pennywort will give the Copella or Pencils a feeling of security.

[Sharpfish]

Are you intending to spawn the Rams? That will make the answer of tank size and room mates much easier.

[emartin]

Are you intending to spawn the Rams? That will make the answer of tank size and room mates much easier.
Typically if it's possible I'd like to have both spawn...

[Bev N]

If your trying to get them to spawn I'd think a footprint of a 30 gallon might be big enough. They are going to need their own territory and I don't think that a 20 would provide it.