Slightly Off Topic Question

["Stuart" <Stuart@snoopers.karoo.co.uk>]

Hi
I have several different species of Apisto and other dwarf cichlids my
major problem is getting 3 different species to breed. At the moment I have
fry from:

Apisto Agassizi "Double Red"
Apisto Cacatuoides "Double Red" "Starburst" and "Normal"
Apisto Sp. Opal 2 batches
Apisto Caetei
Nanacara Anomala

The remainder of my species are juveniles and not ready to breed except.

Apisto Borelli, both the male and female are constantly attacking each
other yet they are in a large(ish) tank 18in sq. which is well planted with
plenty of rock caves. Even when they were in a 48in long tank they fought.

Nanachromis Transvestitus, 2 males 1 female. These fish seem to be courting
but nothing substantial is happening. My local store keeper has told me he
will buy ever fish I can breed from these with cold hard cash, since he
takes enough of my money I would love to get cash instead of credit from
him. So as much info as possible please!!

Dicrossus (Crenicara) Filamentosus 3pr in separate tanks, they are all
adult
fish and except for courtship display's from the Males, nothing!, I've been
told that I need to reduce the conductivity of the water down to 20
mico-siemans per million, for successful breeding and the best way of
achieving this is to add distilled water to my tank (slowly), If this is
so, does anyone know how much I would need to add to a 15gal (imp) tank to
achieve this reading. I've just laid out a LOT of money on expanding my
tanks from 30 to 50 and funds are VERY tight and I cannot afford a
conductivity meter for a few months, unless someone knows of an inexpensive
way of reading conductivity!.

My water quality(s) are pH 6-6.5, 3 deg KH, zero Ammonia, Nitrates, I feed
the fish small amounts several times a day with baby or adult brine shrimp,
frozen bloodworm, frozen/live daphnia and pellets/flake.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. either on the list or
privately.

Stuart Greenley
Kingston upon Hull, England
stuart@snoopers.karoo.co.uk