6 Apistogramma cacatuoides in a 30 gallon

[rockhoe14er]

Hey Guys i wanted to get two males to 4 females in a 30 gallon tank. Is this enough room or would two breeding pairs need more room?

[Pittbull]

Is it a 30 long if so should be ok.. Throw in some extra coconut shells..

[fishorama]

2 pairs might work but I'd skip the extra females. they're quite territorial IME

[rockhoe14er]

2 pairs might work but I'd skip the extra females. they're quite territorial IME

You mean just get 3 males and 3 females?

[waldo12]

I think he means just 2 males and 2 females. If they're breeding pairs, make a variety of hiding spots.

[fishorama]

Yes, 2 pairs=2 males & 2 females. Try to divide off the areas with wood, rocks, plants so each pair can have a territory without always seeing each other. Several different hiding/breeding cave-like spots are good. Mine liked wood better than rocks to lay eggs on but it's nice for them to have choices.

[msjinkzd]

are they domestic cacs? or wild caught? I would try it, but have a backup plan. I have had a few cacautoides that are just focused on murdering rampages and some that did fine in large groups.

[rockhoe14er]

are they domestic cacs? or wild caught? I would try it, but have a backup plan. I have had a few cacautoides that are just focused on murdering rampages and some that did fine in large groups.

they are domestic ones. So i'm guessing that they will be less agro. The reason i wanted to get more females was to try and get a breding pair. I feel like my chances go down a lot if i only get 2 males and 2 females.

[fishndude]

2 breeding pairs should do fine. You just have to try and see what you get.

[rockhoe14er]

Do you think i should get 4 females with 2 males and if i get a pair take the other females back?

[KillerVirusB]

Aren't apistogramma cacatuoides are harem breeders?

[rockhoe14er]

I thought so that's why i wanted to get 4 females to 2 males

[MonteSS]

I would go with one male and 2-3 females in that size tank. The females get very aggressive and territorial when breeding and the males will have no where to hide if too crowded.

...Bill

[jb-ny]

Fish are like people...each one has a different personality.
I got a trio of triple reds and the male and the other female killed the other female.
When breeding the female can not stop the male from eating the fry.
I had another pair that the female beat the male so bad i had to take him out for his own safety.
get what you think is best and keep track of how things work out and share the info. there is a lot of disinformation on the web about (fish in general) but especially apistos.
it's always nice to hear about actual experiences.

[fishorama]

Are you planning to have a fry grow out tank? I had 2 pairs in a 55g, 1 at an end the other chose the middle. Both had free swimmers when I went on vac. Came home to 0 fry but weeks later spotted 1 survivor. Just a warning.

[rockhoe14er]

Yeah i'm not sure what'll happen. One more question for you guys do you think i can handle anymore fish in this tank? and if so what suggestions do you have of good tank mates?????

[nano cichlids]

No it's a 30 gallon, with a breeding pair of apistos ime I've seen females more aggressive then males 2 males and 4 females is a death trap. Monte is right one male, and 2-3 females then once you get your pair remove the other female.

[aj2494]

Angels, barbs, tetras, the list goes on and on.

Nano - Bill means that Rock should keep 2-3 females permanently. Apistos are harem breeders, and do not necessarily form pair bonds. They may breed as a pair, but a harem is a much better situation.

[rockhoe14er]

Angels, barbs, tetras, the list goes on and on.

Nano - Bill means that Rock should keep 2-3 females permanently. Apistos are harem breeders, and do not necessarily form pair bonds. They may breed as a pair, but a harem is a much better situation.

but how many other fish can i keep in with a pair? i guess each apisto will get close to 3 inches so thats 12 - 15 inches of fish so can i get something like 15 inches more of fish?

Also because i don't have another tank to put the mothers in fry in can i get away with a breeding net? to stick the fry in then remove the mother over time?

[pjrichar]

go ahead and get some more fish,, should be ok middle swimmers. i have 3 male and 5 female in my 55 and everything is just peachy. there is def a pecking order, but everyone gets along for the most part.. get a tank divider a good one and when you need it, use it.

[rockhoe14er]

go ahead and get some more fish,, should be ok middle swimmers. i have 3 male and 5 female in my 55 and everything is just peachy. there is def a pecking order, but everyone gets along for the most part.. get a tank divider a good one and when you need it, use it.

You mean for the fry or if pairs are getting too aggressive and damaging one another?

[pjrichar]

to seperate the female and fry from the male... she will usually do good, but alot of the time the male will just eat them up.