Re: Dreaded Newbie Post

[Frauley/Elson <fraulels@minet.ca>]

Doug Brown wrote:
> 
> New to apistos that is! I have really enjoyed reading this list and am
> ready to try and ask a question so here goes:
> 
> I picked up a nice group of juvenile A. agassizii (blue) 3 weeks ago. 1
> male and 3 females - I figure he's got to like at least one of them! That
> OK Wilfred? :) They all seem to get along well with each other and the
> serpae tetras and corys. They are also very curious and bold, unlike I was
> led to believe they would be.
 
> My water measures out at pH=6, dH=10, dK=8, which I feel pretty lucky
> about. But enough background, here's my question. Do I have a chance of
> getting them to spawn without having to reduce the hardness? I have heard
> conflicting reports, ranging from "ro/di water and blackwater extract are
> required" to "apistos will spawn in almost anything". I'd really like to
> give it a go with my tap water if at all possible.
Hi,
I've had wild-caught agassizii successfully produce small broods at pH
7.4, dH around 6. I had them in a group in a metre long tank, and sadly,
the key sign of spawning was always a dead female (I started with one
male and four females, and had two spawns...). While I never caught them
at it, I assume the females sort out territories too.
It's always easier with better water conditions though, and I'm sure you
get more fry.
- -Gary

Incidentally, when I played with the water, lowering the pH carefully
and such, the agas never responded. I'm going to have to try that fish
again...
Welcome to the list.