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I have an empty 6g and have an interest in killies. I've only seen golden wonders available locally but it was suggested here that I check into ordering eggs from AquaBid.

So lots of questions

-Are there any species that are recommended for beginners and would work in a 6g?

-Any species that I should avoid?

-How should the tank be aquascaped? It currently has a flourite/gravel substrate and I'd like to plant it.

-So I find what I want to order and the eggs arrive, how do I go about hatching them?

Thanks for any info

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Aphyosemion australe is a good beginners killi. Very colorful and peaceful and will not usually bother other fish. A pair or trio should do okay in your 6 gallon. Plantings are welcome as well as floating plants as that is where they will lay there eggs and the parents usually do not bother the eggs.

When you receive your eggs most breeders will provide instructions for hatching. In most cases it is just a matter of placing in the prepared tank and waiting for the hatching.

Here's a link that gives a little more info:



http://www.petfish.net/aus.htm

Jim

Last edited by OldTimer at 10-Apr-2005 14:10

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Yeah, I think you should start with Aphyosemions. They usually have Australes pretty cheap on aquabid and you get at least 50+. You should probably avoid the Nothobranchius type. They require an incubation period and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to wait around 3 months to wet them and rewet them after time. They are also usually smaller and would need some liquifry or infusoria for some. Same with P. Annulatus, very small fry when they hatch.

Would I be ok with any of the other Aphyosemion besides australe?

Any opinions on Fundulopanchax?

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

I think you're pretty okay with almost any aphyosemions.
What did you have in mind though?
Just list several species that you have in mind.

Most Fundulopanchax would be fine too, they used to all be the same genus - there isn't much difference.

I'd avoid the Blue Gularis (Fp. sjoestetdi) to start with as they get bigger than most and a little agressive but other than that most others would be good. Go for cheaper fish to start with as it usually means they are easier to keep and breed. I love Fp. gardneri and Fp ameti. Check out the pics at killi.co.uk (look for the west african semi-annuals sction) and see what takes your fancy.

As for aquascaping, a planted tank always looks good with killis and they like it too. Floating plants and java moss are good with a few amozon swords and other smaller sword plants.

Hatching, the eggs should come with at least a collection date. From that you can find out the incubation time (see killi.co.uk again) or they should have an expected hatch date. You will also be able to see a tiny fish in the eggs when they are ready to hatch. Put them in water and they should hatch. If not, there are a few tricks to try.

Good luck.
Dean

Last edited by abob at 17-Apr-2005 23:24