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Goldie
Pro100 L

Cockatoo apistogramma pair (100 L)

Dwarf cichlids: a pair defends territory and raises fry before your eyes.

Cockatoo apistogramma pair (100 L) — aquarium setup with fish, plants and equipment (100 L)

Apistogramma cacatuoides — the most accessible dwarf cichlid. Males up to 8 cm with showy fins, females 5 cm.

A pair picks a grotto or coconut half for spawning. Cardinal tetras as dither fish calm them; shrimp clean.

Dimensions
80×40×35 cm
Temperature
24–28°C
pH
5.5–7
gH
1–8 °dGH
Setup time
8 wks
Budget
≈ $550
Total fish
19

Fish (19)

Plants (7)

Equipment

  • External canister filter

    ≥ 500 L/h

    ≈ $110

  • Heater

    100 W

    ≈ $28

  • Thermometer

    ≈ $6

  • Basic 6500K LED light

    Dim

    ≈ $70

  • White quartz sand

    ≈ $50

  • Reverse osmosis (RO) system

    Optional for very soft water

    ≈ $280

Decor

  • Natural driftwood (mangrove or mopani)× 3
  • Catappa (Indian almond) leaves× 8
  • Ceramic grotto / cave× 2

Tips & gotchas

  • One pair per 100 L — more pairs = territory wars.
  • Vary the diet: bloodworm + brine shrimp + quality pellets. They are picky.
  • Cardinals are essential dither — without them the pair hides.
  • If the female turns yellow and guards a corner — spawning is imminent.