Min tank size for BGK

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Llamalord

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jun 17, 2009
209
0
16
35
Montana
Hey sorry to ask a question that is already answered in the sticky but what would you all consider the minimum tank size for a BGK? I'm planning on growing one out with 3 polys. Would a 75g be enough to comfortably fit the BGK? I've seen other sites list the minimum tank size as 100g rather than the 75g listed in the info thread. Obviously bigger is better but I'm a college student so I haven't got much money to spend.
 
http://www.tropicalfishprofiles.com/other/black-ghost-knife-fish-apteronotus-albifrons/
Size

Otherwise, Black Ghost Knife Fish are very peaceful to other tropical fish in the aquarium, and they make great centerpieces for community tanks. That is, if the fish aren’t small enough to fit inside of their mouths. The Black Ghost Knife Fish are gargantuan beasts that grow up to 20″ (50 cm), and they should not be placed with smaller tetras or community fish because the Black Ghost Knife Fish will eat them. Not out of maliciousness, but they are small, moving objects that fit in the mouth; the fish doesn’t know better. Speaking of their large size, they should not be kept in tanks less than 75 gallons. Although their maximum size is 20″, they usually do not get to be this big in aquariums, and the average size in aquariums is just over a foot (12″+).
 
I've got mine(15-16") in a 55g right now, a bit cramped. You could get by with a 75g without issue.Make sure you give it ample hiding spaces.
 
Don't put it with poly. The poly will eat it.
 
i personally haven't had any luck with polys and BGK's in the same tank. i wouldn't put them with any other bottom dwelling fish. i had some crenicichla tear one of my BGK's fins to shreds, so i moved her to a different tank.

and the poly's killed my smaller BGK over a fight for one of the hollow log hiding places. there were and still are more than enough hiding places for everyone in the tank, and the BGK was a firmly established resident beforehand, but the bichers are not very forgiving and decided that they wanted the BGK to move out.

minimum size: 75 gallons. my big BGK was happiest when she was in the 210 with the BIG fish.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com