Re: New to list...lotsa Q's...

["George Barwood" <george.barwood@dial.pipex.com>]

Jesse Mathies wrote:
> 
> I'm very new to this list, and have a few (maybe more than a few)
> questions about Dwarf Cichlids:
> 
> I know nothing about Dwarf Cichlids, other than that they are very
> pretty, and I'm wondering if they any species would work well in a 10
> gallon aquarium that I'm planning on setting up. My limitations are that
> the tank is only ten gallons, and that I can only provide 15W of
> fluorescent lighting. Can I work dwarf cichlids into this setup? 

Yes, that is the great thing about dwarfs, you don't need a big tank.

> If so, what are the requirements of dwarf cichlids? 

They mostly need soft water, and a pH of 7.0 downwards,
except for the African shell dwellers.

> I understand they need peat filtering. 

Peat is one way. I recommend adding peat to a large container from which you take you 
change water - peat in the filter is maybe OK, but needs careful attention.

A lot depends on the water you are starting from - if it is hard, you may need to use 
rain-water or RO water instead. If it is soft, nothing to do at all.

> Where do I find the peat for this? Do I use peat moss or peat? 
I use peat, I think peat moss is recommended. I'm not sure that it matters.

> I've tried putting some boiled portions of Hagen Peat
> Plates I had lying around, into my Aquaclear Mini, and as they color of
> the water didn't change to the diluted tea color I expected, I'm
> assuming I did something wrong.

Not necessarily - I don't notice much change in water colour.
 
> Also, what be an adequate filter? I've used Aquaclear Minis in the past
> and liked them.

Fine - stick with what you know. Consider having live plants - these help with water 
quality, and dwarfs generally like them.

> How many of which sexes of which species (whew!) can I keep in the above
> mentioned setup? Also, what (if any) would make suitable tankmates?

It depends whether you want to breed (which is one reason why they are cool).
If so, a single pair would probably be best ( depending on species ).
I would recommend Apistogramma cacatuoides.

Small tetras make good tankmates (neons, glowlights).
 
> Finally, what do they eat? 

Mine are not keen on dried foods - frozen or live food is best.
 
> I would greatly appreciate any and all info regarding Dwarf Cichlids. I
> only hope the amount of questions I ask aren't terribly overwhelming.

Hvae a look at the Krib web site, this has lots of great info.
I think the URL is http://www.cco.caltech.edu/~aquaria/krib/Apisto

HTH,
George