Re: Slightly Off Topic Question

[Mike Jacobs <mfjacobs@geocities.com>]

Stuart....you asked about help with some of your Apisto species.  I began 
having "luck" when I  1) started feeding live foods......baby brine 2-3 
times a day, daphnia 1 time a day when availiable, adult brine (feed 
spirulina before feeding to the fish) 2-3 time a week, and on very 
occasional occasions when I know the black worms are CLEAN!!!!! 2-3 
times a week.  And 2) lowered my pH to 4.8-6.0......depending on the fish.  
(A.borellii about 5.5-6.0)........and lowering the hardness(conductivity) 
to the numbers you talked about, or less.  A good start for mixing distilled 
with regular water might be 50/50 and work from there........but 
remember, pH will not be affected by lowering the hardness.  You must do 
that yourself.  Honestly Stuart...........get an R.O. unit.  I know they're 
expensive but it will solve all sorts of apisto problems.

Remember.....these numbers are all relative, but they are the numbers 
that I use for the most part.  I've learned that the apisto's can actually take 
numbers far below those I've spoken of.......but for the moment I've talked 
too long.

Have a good day.....the lowering of the pH and hardness WILL trigger a 
spawn.........I almost guarantee it......:-)

Mike