Thanks Dave, I did do some searching and found an article with similar advice. I will definitely put these in a 10 gal and setup with plants a thin layer of sand on bottom. This is different from my norm but, I do believe listening to those in the know. You've really confirmed what I saw in this article and water changes will be a priority. Actually that will be easy to control in a 10 gallon. Food that's no problem. I am a good feeder of fish. I love watching them go crazy over black worms and watching them jerking at the bbs. I liked to start out on something new being informed. Hate to have run to a book as things are in the process of going wrong. I tend to keep my own notes with key points on all my fish so if I haven't work with the fish much I can know at a glance exactly what is expected. Thanks for the help actually sounds like fun a new challenge Jerry... I'll let you know when they are free swimming.<G> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com.