Dither fish for cacs?

[Piranha86]

What is a good fish to have in an 10g apistogramma cacatuoides tank to make them less hidey and more active and to make the apistos better parents since they have to guard the fry from? I was thinking maybe 3-5 pristella tetras, they're not way oto fast and they have small mouths, so the apisto parents would have a better chance.

 

[Chrisinator]

I'm not sure I'd put Pristella Tetras in a 10g with a breeding pair of apistos. Consider getting a bigger tank. Before getting dither fish, I'd try first before adding anything.

 

[stephcps]

I would have to agree...a 10 is pushing it with just the pair. They may do fine with no issues. I have a pair in a community tank with a ton of "dithers" and they still prefer to be kinda hidey.

 

[joel.uejio]

If you haven't already, you may also want to cover the sides and back with some kind of dark covering -- that can help your fish feel less exposed.

 

[msjinkzd]

i don't use dithers. in my bigger apisto tanks, I do use endlers as live food, lol

 

[67chevelle]

10 gallons is too small for apistos. A 20 long would work.

 

[Piranha86]

i don't use dithers. in my bigger apisto tanks, I do use endlers as live food, lol

Not a bad idea. Except I think my oldest female got menopausal, she hasn't given birth for 2 months and she has no belly/gravid spot.

 

[Piranha86]

If you haven't already, you may also want to cover the sides and back with some kind of dark covering -- that can help your fish feel less exposed.

I have the back covered, I might do the side. I have a feeling they'll be disturbed sometimes because it's in my bedroom since the basement is full of tanks. I think I'll have to learn to walk lighter.

 

[Ballyhoo]

I used a second tank as dithers for the cons. I set the tanks up end to end and the cons can still see the other fish but can't get to them to hurt them.

 

[MonteSS]

No need for dithers. Especially if you want to keep the fry.

...Bill