[Wizzy]

UPDATED POST

I've decided to turn this thread into a (sorta) tank build/place to post pictures for my tanks. I don't have any pictures of the Black Ghost Knifes yet but I'm hoping to get them transferred pretty soon.

See Pictures on Page 2.

-Wizzy :icon_bigg

ORIGINAL POST

Ello'

I have three black ghost knifes who are currently living in a 29 gallon aquarium. I have set up a 55 gallon tank for them and have a few questions concerning what safe water parameters are.

I used ADA Aqua Soil in the 55 Gallon so the PH is about 6.6-6.7, but the 29 gallon's PH is about 7.5. If I acclimate them will they be OK in the lower PH?

Thanks- Wizzy :icon_smil

 

[Geminiluna]

Oh yes, they should be fine if you give proper time to get them acclimated.

 

[Jeffww]

They'll be fine in the 55 water wise...but space wise you're cutting them short....by at least 100 gallons.

 

[Byakuya]

common fish that people buy because it looks cool.. :|

Just saying they are going to be huge!

 

[Geminiluna]

c'mon folks. give some benefit of the doubt here. They're already moving up from a 29 to 55... sometimes things go in stages.

 

[bpb]

I am all for pushing stock limits if you can manage water quality and aggression, but sadly a 55 is far too small for an adult bgk. They get pretty dad gum big. Like common pleco big. I have always wanted one but my 75 isn't spacious enough. They need at less 6' by 2' footprint. Then again i am the guy that has a single bala shark in my 75 community tank.

 

[KookScape]

I've heard you arent supposed to have more than 1 BGK in the same tank... something about the way they find food and if you have more than one it confuses them... However, that was info from a LFS employee so it might not be reliable.

 

[nikonD70s]

they take awhile to get big so your good for now. make sure you have a few caves so they each have one or aggression can be a problem.

 

[[email protected]]

Congrats on upgrading them to a 55g, it will be TONS more room for them than the 29 was. I think they will be fine for awhile, as they don't grow all that fast. Like a previous poster mentioned, keep a good eye on your water params and keep the filter/s clean. Also, a heavily planted tank will help with the aggression factor, as well as help to keep your water cleaner for them. Hopefully we will one day see them in a 200g tank, but until then, props for atleast upgrading them at this point. They will definitely be happier, good job. So often people don't care about tank size, and it's just nice to see someone that does.

 

[Higher Thinking]

I've heard you arent supposed to have more than 1 BGK in the same tank... something about the way they find food and if you have more than one it confuses them... However, that was info from a LFS employee so it might not be reliable.

Check out this thread about BKG's. Not super informative, but helpful none the less. BKG hunt by something similar to sonar so this comment may be accurate.

http://bgk.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=bgk&action=display&thread=25

 

[shrimpNewbie]

c'mon folks. give some benefit of the doubt here. They're already moving up from a 29 to 55... sometimes things go in stages.

even juvies should be in much larger tanks, consider their max size before putting a fish in any tank as moving a large fish is quite stressful and cruel if you can avoid it.

 

[Plant keeper]

I had one in a 29 gallon she was getting to big for it now my friend has her and she in a 60 gallon...

 

[beardedcharmer]

Check out this thread about BKG's. Not super informative, but helpful none the less. BKG hunt by something similar to sonar so this comment may be accurate.

http://bgk.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=bgk&action=display&thread=25

They are weakly electric and hunt by sensing electric fields

 

[Wizzy]

Wow, thanks for all the replies everyone. I didn't expect this much interest in my question Lol. :icon_bigg

All of those saying that my tank is too small or that I shouldn't be keeping multiple knifes together can rest assured that I am taking care of them correctly.

They are each about 6-7 inches long right now which is why I'm upgrading. I have had them for over a year and got them when they were about 2 inches long each. They have NEVER been aggressive towards each other and always get enough to eat. They will be the sole inhabitants of the 55 gallon and water quality shouldn't be an issue because IME they produce very little waste. I am well aware that they could grow as large as almost 2 feet but in all of my years of keeping fish I have found that (to an extent) fish will grow to fit the tank they are in. I should be fine for at least a couple years before I need to upgrade to anything larger for my fish.

Thanks Again and feel free to leave me any more advice- Wizzy :icon_smil

 

[beardedcharmer]

I am well aware that they could grow as large as almost 2 feet but in all of my years of keeping fish I have found that (to an extent) fish will grow to fit the tank they are in.

sure you can stunt fish by keeping them in sub optimum conditions but most want their fish to be healthy and grow to their full potential. A 55 is a thin tank and you probably have 6-8 months before the fish are going to feel the effects of being in a too thin of a tank. I'm not one of those who get all bent out of shape about overstocking and won't suggest you give away your fish or put them in a pond but if you see a deal on a 90g-150g tank on craigslist you should upgrade.

 

[Wizzy]

sure you can stunt fish by keeping them in sub optimum conditions but most want their fish to be healthy and grow to their full potential. A 55 is a thin tank and you probably have 6-8 months before the fish are going to feel the effects of being in a too thin of a tank. I'm not one of those who get all bent out of shape about overstocking and won't suggest you give away your fish or put them in a pond but if you see a deal on a 90g-150g tank on craigslist you should upgrade.

Thanks for expressing your concerns, but don't worry. I'm not a cruel person and when my fish need more space I will find someone with a larger tank or upgrade again. In fact, I eventually want to turn the 55 gallon into a shrimp tank so if the time comes to let my fish go I won't be too unhappy.

Thanks Again- Wizzy

 

[Studman0143]

Do you have any pictures you could share?
Great job in taking care of them! It's fun to watch them eat.

 

[Wizzy]

Do you have any pictures you could share?
Great job in taking care of them! It's fun to watch them eat.

Thanks and I'd be happy to take pictures once they're in the 55 gallon.

Anyway, I have another question-

My tank is currently topless, so I was wondering what everyone's opinion was on jumping? In other words do you think they will go carpet surfing in a topless tank?

Thanks- Wizzy :smile:

 

[Plant keeper]

Thanks and I'd be happy to take pictures once they're in the 55 gallon.

Anyway, I have another question-

My tank is currently topless, so I was wondering what everyone's opinion was on jumping? In other words do you think they will go carpet surfing in a topless tank?

Thanks- Wizzy :smile:

Yes it could just I would just put a screen top on just to be on the safe side if u can get one..

 

[Man of the shovel]

As stated before, they need more room as they grow. In a year or two you will be far past the needing to upgrade date. I also agree with the post on stunting growth. As long as your prepared to find a very spacious tank around 200 -250 gallons for 3 2foot monsters your good to go. Otherwise id suggest finding someone who does have the space. Just restating some facts that's all, and cant wait to see the pictures!