Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm setting up a 20 gallon for Apistogramma cacatuoides and wanna get the GH right. My tap water's around 6 dGH, but I've heard they prefer softer. Should I cut it with RO or just roll with it? Tank's got sand, driftwood, and some Java fern. No tankmates yet.

6 dGH ain't bad, but yeah, they do better softer. I'd mix in some RO if you can. Mine are in 4 dGH and breed like crazy. Just watch the pH swings if you go that route.

Bolton wrote: ↑Sat Jun 14, 2025 1:05 am 6 dGH ain't bad, but yeah, they do better softer. I'd mix in some RO if you can. Mine are in 4 dGH and breed like crazy. Just watch the pH swings if you go that route.

Yep, RO's the move. I messed with peat before but it's sketchy. What's your KH at, lavenderbug? That'll mess with stability too.

Thanks for the tips. My KH's around 3, pH stable at 6.8. Gonna grab an RO unit this weekend. How often do you guys water change with RO mixes?

I do 20% weekly, but my tap's harder than yours. With RO, you might stretch it to 10 days if params stay chill. Just test often at first.

Same here, 20% weekly. Don't slack on the remineralizer though. Forgot once and my apistos got all stressed. Salty Shrimp GH+ is solid.

BronzeKey wrote: ↑Sat Jun 14, 2025 3:24 am Same here, 20% weekly. Don't slack on the remineralizer though. Forgot once and my apistos got all stressed. Salty Shrimp GH+ is solid.

Second that. Salty Shrimp's clutch. Also, toss in some almond leaves if you wanna go full blackwater vibe.

Got it, thanks y'all. Ordered the Salty Shrimp and some leaves. Appreciate the help!