Substrate for apistos

[Apistoguiatarra]

I hope I'm not asking a commonly asked question but... do you all think that a sand-based substrate would be okay for apistos? I am thinking I will put mostly sand in and then a couple small bags of gravel for aesthetic reasons and because I know they like to move the rocks around. The sand wouldn't change my ph would it? I'm guessing it might change my gh, but I would like to know your thoughts.

Thanks,
David

[Solace]

I use sand in my apisto tanks. I also have boiled oak leaves scattered on the bottom as well.

As far as the PH goes unless it swings over 7.2 with the addition of sand as a substrate I personally wouldn't worry about it. Apistos live in an environment with radical PH swings.

I have a few pictures of some of the apistos I ordered from David Soares in my soft water section here. They have since matured and have been moved to bare bottom breeding tanks.
http://community.webshots.com/user/darkdeacon

[Apistoguiatarra]

Thanks for the help.

One more question:
Why do so many people prefer bare-bottom breeding tanks? I just acquired a pair of white apistogramma cacatuoides and am wanting to breed them, but I just can't stand a tank that is so plain.

[Solace]

The bare bottom tanks are easier to clean. Asthetics aside if you are wanting to breed for sale you go after what works for the cheapest amount of money. The bare bottom also makes it easier if you want to remove the parents or fry from the tank.

You don't have to do it bare bottomed they will breed fine over a substrate. It is really just a matter of what you are after in your tank setups.

[Apistoguiatarra]

How hard is sand to clean? I have a gravel siphon, but won't the sand be sucked up?

[Solace]

Just hover the siphon above the sand. That should get all the detrius if it doesn't you can lightly press the tube into the sand, but pull it up to allow the sand to fall back out. It really isn't as hard as it seems.

Good luck