Capital Exotic Fish

Need suggestions!

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I'm working on an experimental peat bottomed tank and I need an inexpensive fish that I can use to verify the tank is safe... yes, the proverbial sacrafice fish. And see if the stirring up of the peat with a fish in the tank doesn't a) drive me batty and b) cause issues for the filter(s)

Water parms are extremely soft and pH is running about 6 - 6.2. Any suggestions for an inexpensive fish that would do well in these conditions? Preferably a small one that can be a late night snack for the jacks when I proved to my satisfaction the tank is safe for fishies...
 
Jumbie

Jumbie

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Blue Rams well do well and they are cool looking, like the apistos you already have or a schooling fish like Danios. The only problem with peat moss is it does not last for to long and when it does starts to deteriorate this material quickly breaks down and becomes a mess.
When I was breeding dart frogs I had try to cut back on the money I spent and picked up some peat moss. I used it as a substrate and it last close to 5-6 months under moist terrarium conditions. It may go even faster when completely submerge under water but I hear the results of you experiment.
 
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I like blue rams too well to use them as test subjects... lol

I've come to the conclusion that using it to keep the water soft will be a waste of time. It takes far too long for the sediment to settle and clear.
 
L

ltrepeter2000

Members
Endlers would work if you attempt something along these lines again. Best bet is figure a way to collect rainwater for the soft, acidic water. You probably should talk to Shawnc from PVAS. He keeps many of the dward cichlids especially apistos and lives in Purcellville. You should see how he is managing to do it since he is so close to you.
 
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we used to have an ro filter - i need to get a new one, eventually. right now, I'm just playing around with this tank - the peat is more for looks than anything else.

and thanks, itrepeter! I'll have to go look him up.
 
Julie

Julie

Members
My friend keeps peat in his sump... keeps the good part of the peat in his tank, and the bad part in his sump!!

And he keeps discus, no problems with the fish at all.
 
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