Total newb wanting a biotope . . .

E

eraagne

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Aug 9, 2010
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I really really love the thought of biotopeing. I'm semi considering a riparium. The only thing is I really have no idea what I'm getting into. Does anyone have any really good books or websites. (Besides mongabay)

I've decided to do a black water south American biotope I'd like to raise and breed one of the apistos. Particularly A. Borelli. Because they are a bottom to mid dweller I thought a riparium would be ideal for them. The tank would be between 29 and 60g. I have a 29 now but I might be able to get a stand and tank from a friend. Not sure.

After that I don't really know what direction to go in. Except maybe buy a few swords. D:

Edit: I know a bit more. RO water is probably needed. I'm also getting ada soil most likely. Um. . .
 
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ADA soil acidifies your substrate, so with that and leaf litter you might be all set, depending on your tap water's hardness. The problem with using RO water is you have to reconstitute it every time. Kind of a pain if you are used to just adding dechlorinator...for me at least, it would deter me from changing water.

Or mix it with your tap water - this will be easier and more economical. But first check and see if the addition of ADA soil and leaf litter wouldn't budge your water parameters closer to what you're after. A. borelli seem to be adaptable in my reading, although they prefer cooler, softer water:
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/profile.php?genus=Apistogramma&species=borellii&id=115

At pH below 6.5 the beneficial bacteria doesn't work very well, and you need to start relying on other means of filtration. I would strive to keep a neutral pH. They should breed for you in that water chemistry if you feed them live foods to condition them - definitely look into culturing live foods for them and the fry! I don't think they'll thrive on frozen foods in the same way.

As far as books, I always like Peter Hiscock:
http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Natural-Aquarium-Onterpet-Handbooks/dp/0764561413/ref=pd_sim_b_6
http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Designs-Inspired-Nature-Hiscock/dp/0764155490/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Are you using swords down below, or in the riparium? Riparium plants with swords doesn't seem really compatible because of how tall most swords get, except things like micro swords. Even a tall tank like a 29, it would look awkward. I would say, go with a riparium and a carpet of dwarf sag or similar :)
 
Hi, I was thinking the exact same thing today. I found this websitehttp://fish.mongabay.com/biotope_countries.htm
gave and idea of some fish you can keep and whatever needs to be to set up a tank. Also lists many other biotopes and fish. Good Luck, can't wait to see some pictures when you get it up and running:)
 
Well if I had a camera I would show you my current attempt. It's a total swamp. I generally don't bother with rinsing sand just dump it in and run a cheap filter and wait for it to all clear up. The plants are just floating about all ripped up. *sigh*

But it's a start right?
 
It most certainly is! I started thinking biotope because a friend told me the fish I had mentioned to him were from all over, some were S.Am, some from China. The Aqua Advisor didn't say they couldn't go together and the parameters for heat and water were doable too. Then I thought about the South American black water, same as you and looked it up. I like the fish too, we'll see, I change my mind every day!
Good luck kiddo, will be looking for your posts:)
 
Look at all the reference links on the Mongabay pages about Biotopes. LOTS of other sites listed.
 
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