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apisto hongsloi Aggression? Temp? Bottom dwellers?

1496 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  NatalieKeyholes, 
N
Came across some hongsloi in my LFS and I'm instantly hooked.
Need to know all about them.
Currently my plan is to keep a group of 4-5 but I'm not sure how males will fare with each other. Another option is to pair them up with some bolivian rams.

Tank size hasn't been decided yet but they'll be temporarily stored in a 40 gallon and I'll be open to anything under 90 gallons for their next tank as it will be a planted community tank with them as the centerpiece.

However, I'm having trouble planning out the rest of the tank. I'm hearing mixed reports of temperature such as keeping them 80+ as thats the "natural temp" or around 75 to lengthen their lifespan. Because I want other fish that would thrive at their temperature, I have been at a roadblock in this regard. I think they only live in a restricted area in the wild so I'm not sure if there are schooling fish they are sympatric with.

Also, I'd assume I can't do bottom feeders. This is primarily a community tank and I have smaller tanks for rearing fry, but when they get their breeding aggression, I've read they will poke eyes out of cories so I don't think cories + apisto will be doable. Are there any bottom feeders that are doable?
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Auballagh
These are all relevant concerns to your build and accommodations you want to provide for this little, New World Cichlid. My own limited, personal Apisto experience was with a harem group of Apisto cacatuoides, (admittedly an easier, more 'beginner' species of Apisto). I did build however, in keeping these awesome little guys, quite an appreciation for them. There's is a LOT to unpack in the day-to-day life of an Apisto Cichlid! So soon, | do plan on setting up soon a 20 gallon 'long' aquarium (sorely tempted to go with a 33 gallon 'long' for this - oh, those choices....), as a dedicated, Apisto Harem biotope aquarium. So yes, my personal interest is certainly there. The knowledge of these amazing little Cichlids? Ummmm, well.... not so much.
So, I'm sorry you aren't getting more response, input and info here regarding your project. I was really hoping your post would get more responses in this section of the forum, as well. :-?
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You can have a group of apistos but only one male. They are best kept in a harem in a heavily planted tank with no catfish. They are best in a species only tank although you could put some top level shoalers with them. Be careful in your choice that they shoal tightly and stay in the top 1/3 - no nano fish.
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