Acidic water stocking suggestions

[docturtle91b]

Hi,
So I just moved to south eastern nc. The water in our area is highly soft and acidic. Our well water pH is at 4.3 and 0 kh and gh consistently. Im already planning a native tank with an amphiuma but any other suggestions for fish that would thrive in those parameters would be appreciated.

 

[Aquanero]

Wild discus (Heckel), Altum angelfish and Uaru Fernandezyepezi would be right at home in that water. Depending on how ambitious you are (and skilled) you could try breeding them which would be the Holy Grail of freshwater fishkeeping. Clean warm water changes are the key, no (or at best) very little beneficial bacteria can survive in a pH that low the upside is neither can the disease causing pathogens commonly seen in water with a higher pH and hardness. If you really want to try somthing breeding any of these species would be a major achievement. But make no mistake it will be a project that will take some time. Other than buying an adult male and female which may or may not be compatible growing out a group of young fish and letting a pair form naturally is the best way of getting a breeding pair.

 

[duanes]

I would echo Tom's suggestions,I have wanted to keep Uaru fern...for years, but it was not practical with my water conditions, yours are absolutely perfect for those species.

 

[ragin_cajun]

"uaru fern"...wow. I'd never heard of those before...panda uaru. Those are fine fish. I think Festivum like acidic water, too? Those are beautiful fish, too. And you could keep some plants in the tank, too probably.

Acidic water is a rare thing, you should take advantage of it.

ETA: And Severum? Don't Rokteil do best in slightly acidic water?

 

[docturtle91b]

Cool thanks for the suggestions. Any other ideas?

 

[duanes]

Just about any of the Amazonian, forest species (dwarf cichlids, tetras) are candidates because of the constant rain, and tannin infused leaf litter substrate they encounter.
Others might also be some of the south east Asian species that come from the same type habitat, the chocolate gourami and wild type bettas come to mind.

 

[docturtle91b]

Thanks Im used to my water being 7.5-8.5 pH. This 4.3 is a whole new ball game for me. Im stoked though.

 

[HarleyK]

My Odoe pikes spawned in water parameters quite similar to yours.