Barracuda Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I am wondering whether a geophagus would be suitable in my 6 foot tank (however it is slightly slimmer than the norm - it measures only 36cm wide). Will it be suitable with a gravel base? I know there are many varieties of geophagus, so I would want one that would grow not grow too big (otherwise it wont be able to turn!). So what do you guys think? Rio branco? Tapajos? The main reason why I would like a geophagus is that i thought it would be nice if i had one big "feature" fish amongst the others. (thinking of keeping some angels too). If it is not suitable, what else would you suggest as this feature fish? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcsx Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 yeh that should be fine, most of them are alot smaller than that but i wouldnt have heaps, if you could get the red, orange heads would be best as they are smaller, or you could try bolivian butterfly's which are like mini eartheaters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barracuda Posted February 23, 2009 Author Share Posted February 23, 2009 yeh that should be fine, most of them are alot smaller than that but i wouldnt have heaps, if you could get the red, orange heads would be best as they are smaller, or you could try bolivian butterfly's which are like mini eartheaters. Cool, so which ones are a bit smaller? I am after one with LOTS of colour , so which would you reccommend that would fit into my tank? (I dont know much about geophagus, I know that the LFS will just sell me whatever they have, and I know that certain species develop an intense colour as they mature!) Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevguy Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Never having kept angels i don't know what their demeanor is like but "TRUE" Tapajos adults,especially males can be very cranky at times. Why not try something like Geophagus sp Pindare? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japes Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I'd have to heavily suggest changing to a fine sand base as well. Half the appeal of keeping Eartheaters is watching them actively sift sand for food - by having gravel you're missing out on that and so are the fish unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teenbies Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 I'd have to heavily suggest changing to a fine sand base as well. Half the appeal of keeping Eartheaters is watching them actively sift sand for food - by having gravel you're missing out on that and so are the fish unfortunately. Where would recommend getting the sand from?! Also, how thick cover would you recommend?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japes Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 Where would recommend getting the sand from?! Also, how thick cover would you recommend?! Two nice types of sand are: - Pool Filter Sand, which you'll be able to get from most pool shops or Clark Rubber, runs about $12 for 20kg, or - Play Sand, available from Bunnings in 25kg bags (It's not Bunnings brand, but it's called "Double-Washed Play Sand" or something). 25kg for $7.50 up in QLD at least. Landscapers will also probably have what you're after, but I've safely used both of the above after a decent rinse and stir. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teenbies Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 thanx japes, much appreciated!! Also thanx for the swiftness of your response! Just quicly wot tankmates would you recommend for 2 green horseface?! (they seem to be a pair) Thanx ^.^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japes Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 Hard to say, I've never kept G. brasiliensis becuase I know they can be a bit meaner than most normal Geophagus. Given the width of your tank I'd probably go with a smaller species like Orange Heads, Pindare, Steindachneri etc - however then they're going to be dwarfed by the G. brasiliensis which could cause problems as they breed like Convicts. Hopefully someone thats kept brasiliensis with other Eartheaters can offer a little insight as to what they'd think works best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barracuda Posted March 6, 2009 Author Share Posted March 6, 2009 thanx japes, much appreciated!! Also thanx for the swiftness of your response! Just quicly wot tankmates would you recommend for 2 green horseface?! (they seem to be a pair) Thanx ^.^ Hi teenbies, I notice your geophagus are kept with a gravel base - how do you find this? Do the fish feel comfortable in it/any problems? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japes Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Hi teenbies, I notice your geophagus are kept with a gravel base - how do you find this? Do the fish feel comfortable in it/any problems? Thanks Just convert it to sand if you want to keep Eartheaters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teenbies Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Hi teenbies, I notice your geophagus are kept with a gravel base - how do you find this? Do the fish feel comfortable in it/any problems? Thanks Just convert it to sand if you want to keep Eartheaters. Yeah, I have recently done that!! They are LOVING the sand!! They didn't seem to mind too much, well at least you couldn't notice until you put the sand in! I'm pretty happy with the tank too I also bought 2 new fish!! This is the pearl horseface (male I suspect as he's the biggest and I'm sure I've seen an egg vent appearing on the smaller fish?!) The pics don't do him justice, he looks awesome at the moment!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexisubeegal Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 I keep red horseface, green horseface, Tapajos, Pindares, Heckelii, argyrostictus, Bolivian Butterfly's, (just the geophagus', heaps of other fish in there) together and they get along great, for a skinny tank i would stear clear of the Heckelii, they can get quite large. The pearl horsefaces, i have always been told, would not be good for my mix due to their higher aggression levels. Why not get some big cats as features? I have Gibby's, Pleco's, BN's, 3 different Synodontis varieties, they look great and theyre eye catching. Let us all know how you go Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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