Topic: Tank mates for Rams/setting up my first American tank

[tracey]

From what you're saying, it does sound like there is something in your substrate thats buffering your ph and kh, and preventing you from lowering it permanently.  I doubt you'll have much success with anything unless you change your substrate.  You need something thats totally non-reactive, thats not gonna react with your tank water and keep raising your ph.  Have you considered pool filter sand?  I'm pretty sure thats a non-reactive type and it can look really good as a substrate.

[cakey87]

It's definitely an option. I just wanted a dark substrate, it really makes the fish and plants stand out.
I don't see why it should raise my ph and parameters. It's quite silly really. It was just ordinary, black gravel. Not specifically targeted for any particular type of tank.

[tracey]

It can be a real pain in the bum when what you like just doesn't work for ya    Most black sand is iron based, which could be the problem.  Its possible that its reacting to the water and causing your problems.  I can't remember enough of my high school chemistry to be sure though    Do you know where the sand came from?

[cakey87]

No I don't hon...
Anyway, we've ended up taking the evil stuff out and putting my old gravel back in. The water is now crystal clear and it looks really good. I added some washed river stones (those smooth stones, that look like big pebbles) and it all looks natural with the driftwood and plants (the gravel that is).
And... my parameters are:
pH 7
GH 2
KH 3

FINALLY! And it seems to have stabilised at that, has been like it for 3 days.

Now will that be okay for my Apistos?

[cakey87]

Oh and we got that from adding 1/3 rainwater, I thought it might help with all the levels and it has!

[tracey]

Thats excellent news    Those parameters should be just fine for Apisto's.  Any pics of the tank yet?  I'd love to see it

[cakey87]

Here we go!
Old tank setup, lights off, flash off
http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p31000042xz.jpg

New tank set up, lights on, flash on
http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p31600317ti.jpg

New tank set up lights off, flash off
http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p31700359ta.jpg

And just for fun, one of my Black Phantoms. I  these guys
http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p31700417mj.jpg

[tracey]

The new setup looks great Cakey    Those Apisto's you'll be bringing home will think they're died and gone to heaven 

[cakey87]

Aww fantastic! Thank you!
It will be great when the plants grow a little more too, I had to trim them back a bit because when the water went bad they started melting. Thank gosh I saved a fair few of them though!
I will update more pics when I get my Apistos on Monday!

[sharn]

wow, very well done  they will definatly love that tank and the params are perfect! well done 

[cakey87]

Someone on another forum told me I could put two pairs of Apistogramma in my tank. I was just wondering if this is true or would they be crowded or possibly not breed? It's only 90litres and has 6 Black Phantom Tetras, and two Bristlenose Catfish. It also has a small black ghost knife which will be moving out when I am able to make a special trip down to the fish shop.
If so, what would be a nice pair to go with my Borelli? I really like Trifasciata (what do you call the blue ones?) and the Yellow/Gold Cacatuoides.

On a good note... I am bouncing about because I phoned the fish shop to see if my Borelli came in and they have! He said they're only small (I think they're about 3cm) but a very beautiful fish. He kept saying how nice they looked. I didn't think they would have much colour at that age, but maybe I am wrong?

[cakey87]

Hmm... Dad's going to pick up my Borelli tomorrow.
Sorry to be a pain, but would another pair of Apisto's be okay in my tank, or am I going to cram them?
If so what particular type should I order, OR would a pair of Bolivian Rams be good too?
I still want them to breed if possible but I don't want them to be crammed.

[cakey87]

Oh and my other question- do I feed them flakes and something like blood worms as a treat? Or shall I feed Tubifex regularly?

[sharn]

mine get flakes, tetra bits, shrimp pellets and frozen bloodworms, also they pick at peas my bristle nose gets