Setup for A. claro (LDA08, Gold Marble Bristlenose)

Elspeth · Post by **Elspeth** » 18 May 2005, 17:15

It looks as though I will be able to get a mail-order bride for Carlo the claro! Woo-hoo!!

So it's time to set up a species tank just for these little gems. I have been looking at 25 gallon tanks on special at the local PetCo; floor space about 12" X 24" (roughly 30cm X 60cm). I was thinking of large smooth rocks for the substrate, and using a river tank setup w/one or two powerheads to provide plenty of current. Am I on track so far?

What else should I consider in furnishing this tank, and how many of these fish should I plan to keep as permanent residents? Two pairs, or a trio?? Or just one happy, spoiled pair?

Post by **Shane** » 18 May 2005, 19:16

Elspeth,
The original description was published in TFH. I believe (if memory serves me) that they are from swamps. Maybe someone with the issue handy can check.
-Shane

Post by **Barbie** » 18 May 2005, 21:18

The A. claro do fine for me at 78-80 degrees, moderate flow with good oxygenation and regular water changes. Your tap water there is very hard, isn't it? I wouldn't worry about it at first, but if you notice you're having low hatch rates, you might consider using RO water in a 1/2 and 1/2 mix. There were places in KC with a kH of 17 degrees and a gH of 26 or more. I've had no problem whatsoever with mine at 7 degrees kH and 9 gH, but 26 might be a bit much ;).

A trio or even 3 females per male will give you the optimum numbers of fry for your tank space. Ancistrus can rapidly run you out of growout room though, so a trio will probably work just fine.

IMO, don't use large gravel substrate. The food gets trapped between the rocks where the fish can't get to it. Coarse sand or even bare bottom is much easier to maintain your water quality, IME. I've never had a single fish complain about lack of substrate ;).

Barbie

Elspeth · Post by **Elspeth** » 26 May 2005, 05:01

Barbie wrote:The A. claro do fine for me at 78-80 degrees, moderate flow with good oxygenation and regular water changes. Your tap water there is very hard, isn't it? I wouldn't worry about it at first, but if you notice you're having low hatch rates, you might consider using RO water in a 1/2 and 1/2 mix. There were places in KC with a kH of 17 degrees and a gH of 26 or more. I've had no problem whatsoever with mine at 7 degrees kH and 9 gH, but 26 might be a bit much ;).Barbie

I'm not feeling too bright just now; I can't remember where to find the conversion from degrees hardness to the numbers on my tests (ppm?). Help?

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 26 May 2005, 09:16

This article contains a good explanation on how to convert the different hardness scales.

From article wrote: To convert ppm to DH, multiply by .056

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Mats

Elspeth · Post by **Elspeth** » 27 May 2005, 00:14

D'Oh! That's it! Told you my brane must be running slow if I couldn't find that on my own. Thanks, Mats!