Definitive Answer Needed!

[boxman2000]

I've just started to get back into the hobby after a few years break and really wanted to get things right from the start.

2 Weeks of fishless cycling of my 3'x18"x16" tank and I was ready to go.

My LFS told me the Black Ghost Knife Fish I had my heart set on would be fine in the tank, they would grow but fine as long as I don't overstock. I bought 2 - they are currently 4" long.

I've now introduced a Vitattas catfish, gold nugget pleco and 4 sunset gourami (2", 2", 1" respectively).

I've been on several forums and websites and all I get is conflicting information.

My question I have is, the BGK are supposed to grow 8-10", some say 12", others say up to 22"!!! What am I to believe?

I'm looking to get a few more fish after work - another subject entirely - probably platties or rainbow / pencil tetras. Obviously I don't want to overstock.

The LFS I got these from run a massive aquarium so I'd be surprised if they got their facts wrong (not impossible I know) and the person I spoke to is the owner who I know has been doing this for 20+ years.

Cheers
Pete

 

[Bloo]

http/www.aquahobby.com/gallery/gaptero.html
http/badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile66.html
http/www.thefishworld.co.uk/id124.htm
http/fish.mongabay.com/species/Apteronotus_albifrons.html
http/www.aqualandpetsplus.com/Knife,%20Black%20Ghost.htm

There you go they all suggest up to 20"

 

[boxman]

So you'd say I'm a little overstocked then?

Do you think it'd be better to get the LFS to take them back then?

Cheers
Pete

 

[pica_nuttalli]

i'd drop some of the sunsets; gouramis are (if i recall) a bit on the territorial side anyways.

but i'd replace them with some smaller, short-lived tetras or livebearers. you don't want to overcrowd your tank, but it's going to look a bit empty until everyone reaches full-size! a compromise is to own fish with mixed lifespans; bigger fish typically live longer, so mix in some smaller ones to add color. fancy guppies are notorious for only living ~2 years; those would probably be your best bet. get males and females in a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio and your BGK will never lack for fry to munch on!

 

[boxman]

To be honest the gouramis are almost full size, apparently, (two are 1" and the other two are 2"), so if I got say 4 platies, any babies would be munched on (which is fine).

Alternatively would 1/2 dozen tetras between the size of cardinals and pencils be ok?

A typical statement I know but I do intend to get a larger tank in a year or so - bearing that in mind the above should be ok with the BGK yea?

BGK have such characters! Every morning I come down and they've weaved themselves inbetween my plants, as soon as I turn the lights on - their search for food is on!

Also, (another question, sorry), how long do BGK live in captivity (approx)?


Cheers
Pete

 

[abstract]

any small tetras or live bearers will end up as food for the knife fish when they are bigger

 

[nc_nutcase]

Compared to other fish that grow huge BGK's tend to grow a little on the slower side, which is to your benefit as it gives you more time before you need to upgrade.

I think the reason many people say that they only grow to 10 inches is because they are commonly housed in crowded tanks that aren't big enough, so water conditions go sour, and they don't survive.

As far as life spans, I'm wanting to say 10+ yrs if ideally cared for but I've never one that long, I'm just straining my brain to remember what I've read (which as you just proved is only but so valuable).

 

[boxman]

Thanks for all your help! I think the consensus is it'll be ok for a few more fish but with a definate view to upgrade in the next year or two!

Cheers
Pete

 

[Pufferpunk]

They're also known as eyeball eaters, so don't be surprised if your other fish are missing a few. Before I had knew this, I had one quarantined with a rainbow & it's been one-eyed ever since! I have a 1-eyed cory catfish too.

I don't think it's a great idea to keep 2 of them in a tank, as the larger one will pick on the smaller one. 1 or 3+ is usually recommended for this family of fish.

 

[nc_nutcase]

I've heard they are often competitive/aggressive when in pairs, but I've not heard they do well in groups... not to reject this information at all, but has anyone else heard this?

Actually I'm hoping it's true...

 

[boxman]

I've got a tough decision now. I've been closely watching the BGK's tonight (2), they have been quite good but one is definately more dominant and chases the other around once in a while.

I've also noticed the dominant one has 'bothered' the gold nugget pleco every now and then.

Taking them both back to the LFS is a possibility (owned them for 2 weeks) - thing is they've got such characters it's difficult to decide.

Dunno what to do.

Cheers
Pete

 

[Gimli]

I had my heart set on a BGK when i got my 3 foot tank but I done some looking up and found i couldn't have them because they grow too big.

 

[Gimli]

I've got a tough decision now. I've been closely watching the BGK's tonight (2), they have been quite good but one is definately more dominant and chases the other around once in a while.

I've also noticed the dominant one has 'bothered' the gold nugget pleco every now and then.

Taking them both back to the LFS is a possibility (owned them for 2 weeks) - thing is they've got such characters it's difficult to decide.

Dunno what to do.

Cheers
Pete

I would either put the Golden nugget pleco in another tank and keep the knifefish untill they get too about 8-12" and then get rid of them. It's a shame when you can't have a fish you really like. Or the other thing too do would be to send the knifefish too your lfs as soon as possible so the golden nugget pleco doesn't get killed.

gimli (Jake)

P.S I hope you find a way to sort this out.

 

[boxman]

I don't think the BGK would kill the other fish, just chase them off 'their' territory.

My plan of action I think will be to get some pipe for the BGK to hide in. I'll give them a week.

Or am I just kidding myself?

Cheers
Pete

 

[Pufferpunk]

Are you planning to upgrade to a bigger tank? Cause if not, it will be much harder to find homes for them when they are large. Since I love golden nuggetts (one of the few plecos that just won't live for me), I'm on his side. Like I said, BGK is known as an "eyeball sucker".