Hi
@shangman Just wondering if this is UK Gallon ? 4.546 L ... if so 15g is 68 Liters. I would agree that is a meaningful minimum for one bonded pair depending on the amount of hardscape. I've kept apistos in 60 L.
Cheers,
Michael
Oh I was thinking of approx 60L minimum tbh, must've got confused on conversion which is more like 13g. My tank was 63L. I'm dyslexic and not great with stuff like this sometimes whoops
😵
So instead of thinking about it in volumes let's try length measurements which I think makes sense in a more visual way 👀. In my opinion, a single pair of apistos should be kept in a tank with a footprint of 60cmx30cm, and a height of 30cm (they will use the whole height of the tank if you structure it well, not just bottom fish) minimum. This is the minimum in which I think the fish will be content and not look cramped once they're adult.
They constantly tour the perimeter of their territory surveying and investigating and hunting, they need space for that. Ideally go bigger on footprint, as the apistos really do use all of it and enjoy it.
And while we're at it, it's great to have more space for them to go with some other tiny fish too, pygmy cories or pencilfish are in particular really charming fish to keep with apistos.
If you're gonna keep apistos you might as well give them all the trimmings as they reward you by being very amusing. Mine are like the lord and lady of the tank, give apistos the dignity they deserve.
If your tank is smaller, get something else!