A. Pandorini enroute

[Ray Cone <mcone@concentric.net>]

Hello!

I'd appreciate some input from the list on what the consensus for
acclimation is.  I have three pair of A. Pandorini coming in Monday and
have very alkaline water. I know these guys require soft water with a
low pH.  So what would be the least traumatic approach:  1)  use R/O
from the start with commercial trace elements or 2) use tap water and
slowly over a couple of weeks, add R/O water and trace elements, or 3)
use a 50/50 mixture of R/O and tap water w/future water changes of
purely R/O and trace elements?

My next question is in reference to tank size for maintenance.  From
questions and readings, I have found that to breed these guys it
requires a 45 to 60 gal tank.  Initially, I just want to make sure
they're going to survive with conditioning to follow.  Would a 90 gal
plant tank safely house six A. Pandorini's along with some Praecox
rainbows?  I have many ten's and five's from my earlier days of
breeding, and will gladly separate all six fish if need be.  However, I
was hoping to set up a biotype tank with all six specimens housed
together.

And lastly...really...has anyone had success with a homemade food mix
for conditioning.  I've tried the fruit flies, chopped earthworms, etc.
and was wondering if anyone had a recipe for a healthy, homemade
Apisto-chow that could be made in bulk and frozen.  

Thanks in advance for your ideas/opinions, I look forward to the
responses.

Best Regards,

Ray Cone
mcone@concentric.net