Apistogramma borelli breeding and softening water?

justarn · Jan 3, 2018

Hey all, how is everyone?-)
Curious as to whether a recently acquired young pair of borelli will breed in my 18g...
The pH is about 7.6 the gh is 8 Deg and the kh is way up at 15 Deg....?
Any apistogramma experts on here? Maybe

duanes has an idea? I know some species will breed in harder water just not sure on these, I've ordered some Indian almond levels and some aquarium peat and some media bags. I'm a little apprehensive about adding the peat tho incase I crash the pH?
Would 2 or 3 ounce in the filter make much of a difference?
Maybe I'm worrying over nothing lol..

joe jaskot · Jan 3, 2018

Collect some rain water (usually soft and acidic) and slowly change the pH of the water.

darth pike · Jan 3, 2018

The pH isn't too far off where they are found in nature (7.2 pH), but your water is much harder. Using distilled or RO water would help, but may not even be needed. Borelli are one of the least fussy apistos.

tlindsey · Jan 3, 2018

justarn said:
Hey all, how is everyone?-)
Curious as to whether a recently acquired young pair of borelli will breed in my 18g...
The pH is about 7.6 the gh is 8 Deg and the kh is way up at 15 Deg....?
Any apistogramma experts on here? Maybe duanes has an idea? I know some species will breed in harder water just not sure on these, I've ordered some Indian almond levels and some aquarium peat and some media bags. I'm a little apprehensive about adding the peat tho incase I crash the pH?
Would 2 or 3 ounce in the filter make much of a difference?
Maybe I'm worrying over nothing lol..

https://apistogramma.com/forum/

tlindsey · Jan 3, 2018

tlindsey said:
https://apistogramma.com/forum/

I'm a new member and they are very knowledgeable.

justarn · Jan 3, 2018

Great, thanks.

Stanzzzz7 · Jan 4, 2018

I agree with darth pike.
I would see how they do in the water you have.
Give them some live food up the temp a bit and see what happens. You never know your luck.
If this fails, try the rain water.

justarn · Jan 4, 2018

Sounds like a plan, currently in with 6 Cory and gold spot plec and a long fin tetra so e will see how they do until I can move a few fish about. I will sort some pics later.