Black Ghost Knife

kamikaziie · 08-29-2007, 09:47 AM

i have a black ghost knife in a 25 gallon tank and it seems to be acting weird...
it tends to swim on its side, upside down and almost always near the heater... is this behaviour normal? should i be worrying... i have driftwood and pvc pipes for it to hide in it soemtimes go in there but likes it near the heater... i was thinking that when the light is on that area gets less light so that is why iti s there but i thought i would post this question up here just to be sure

thank you for your time

FishHead · 08-29-2007, 09:54 AM

what is your PH? ammonia? nitrates? nitrites?

also, a black ghost knife requires a minimum of 50 gal to survive.they get 8" or more and are capable to get over a foot long.a 25 is way too small for him.They are secretive fish and will become stressed if unable to find a secure hiding place. They are sensitive to poor water quality, and so require excellent filtration and regular aquarium maintenance.

It requires a minimum of a 50 gallon tank with excellent filtration. It is generally timid and reclusive, preferring a fine-gravel-bottom aquarium with plenty of roots and rocks for hiding places, as well as subdued to dark lighting. To better appreciate this fish, many hobbyists will purchase a "ghost tube," a clear plastic tube that facilitates viewing during the day. Once accustomed to its surroundings, the Black Ghost Knifefish can become incredibly tame and trusting to the point of being hand-held. It does well with other, larger species of a peaceful nature, but may be aggressive towards those of similar or smaller size.

Omnivorous, the Black Ghost Knifefish will eat all types of live foods including meat, chopped earthworms, as well as frozen and flaked foods.

FishHead · 08-29-2007, 09:54 AM

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Tank Conditions: 73-80°F; pH 6.5-7.0; KH 0-10
Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 1' 6"
Color Form: Black
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Thailand
Family: Apteronotidae

Danh · 08-29-2007, 11:17 AM

Those are generally fairly normal behaviours.

kamikaziie · 08-30-2007, 05:56 AM

thank you for the replies

i'll be getting a clear silicone tube for the fish,

do you recommend me getting a larger tank now, or is ok to wait til it grows a bit?

flamingo · 08-30-2007, 08:43 AM

It's always better to have a bigger tank, but you probably won't necessarily need to upgrade "soon." They have the possibility of getting a foot, etc. but they could take a few years in some cases, before they're full grown.

And I also agree that it's swimming motions are normal.

.

TigerBarb12 · 08-31-2007, 04:54 PM

You could get a 46 gal, but id go with a 55.

Danh · 08-31-2007, 06:28 PM

I don't think you told us how big the fish is right now. That would determine whether or not you NEED a bigger tank now, or if you can wait. I agree, bigger is always better, so you might as well go ahead and do it if you can.

judya · 09-01-2007, 01:08 AM

Just a thought, but how's the temp in the tank? Could it be hanging out by the heater cause it's the warmest place in the tank?

kamikaziie · 09-05-2007, 01:14 AM

sorry for the late replies guys, just have been caught up with stuff at uni

hmm the blackghost knife itself 8cms hmmm the water tempreature of the tank is about 27degrees celius, i set the heater to about 28 a few weeks ago because i had an outbreak of whitespot/ich, it seem to have cleared up, i was going to ask about that should i bring the temp down to 25 degrees its summer here and gets to about 27-33 degrees in house about 26

the fish seem to be fine now.. but i just fed them and they did not eat alot

i have the water flowing towards the heater so i am thinking the tank is 27degrees all the way around

i have added a new piece of driftwood which the gosh knife hides in.. ill post a picture of my tank up soon
again thank you for all the help = ) because the ghost knife seems alot happier atm

**Fishfirst** · 09-05-2007, 11:01 AM

50 gallons would be small for an adult bgk. I would suggest a 75 for the extra width or a 120 would be optimal. Planning for the future is best done as soon as possible.

Clerk · 09-05-2007, 12:25 PM

I would say 100 gallons is a better minimum, but the tank size of 125 would be more common/cheaper.

Gourami Swami · 09-05-2007, 04:01 PM

a 75g would be minimum. If youve seen a full grown one you would agree with me. And while the size isnt urgent considering its so small, I would styart saving for th etank now and get it soon. It will help the BGK grow faster, and you would never have to worry if your waiting too long.

kamikaziie · 09-20-2007, 01:02 AM

!!!! my black ghost knife disappeared.. it was eating and everything but now it has just gone? i have 2 lemon tetras, one angel fish, one silver shark, 10 neon tetras, two clowloaches and one bristlenose.. does anyone have any idea where it might have gone?

i added the tube and what not...

thanks in advance

**Baby_Baby** · 09-22-2007, 10:49 AM

Any update on this?

Did you look on the uh...floor?

**Fishfirst** · 09-22-2007, 11:15 AM

also thats a lot of fish for a 25 gallon tank... did you leave it for any extended amount of time... canibalism is common.

**Obsidian** · 09-22-2007, 03:37 PM

If he is not on the floor it is possible he is hiding really well. Sometimes fish can hide so well it will surprise you.

Scootydoo · 09-22-2007, 05:05 PM

Yea that is a pretty overstocked tank, I wouldn't be suprised if they just nibbled him up or he just got sick of the chaos and jumped :/

08-29-2007, 09:47 AM	#1
kamikaziie Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4	Black Ghost Knife i have a black ghost knife in a 25 gallon tank and it seems to be acting weird... it tends to swim on its side, upside down and almost always near the heater... is this behaviour normal? should i be worrying... i have driftwood and pvc pipes for it to hide in it soemtimes go in there but likes it near the heater... i was thinking that when the light is on that area gets less light so that is why iti s there but i thought i would post this question up here just to be sure thank you for your time

08-29-2007, 11:17 AM	#4
Danh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Age: 24 Posts: 634	Those are generally fairly normal behaviours. __________________ 450g-30"&20"0.bichirossum,18" cichla temX,12"p.ornatipinnis&lapradei,2x15"c.temensis,15 " c.orinocensis,12"L.platrhynchus, 30" Crock I gar 180g-10" d.pulcher,2x8"d. pulcher, 3x8"c.orinocensis, 7"jardini 90g-4"stripeneck musk turtle,8xc.macracanthus 3-7",2x7" s.tanereius 30g-2x7" a.batrachus 30g-4"p.delhezi&endlicheri, 4"m.irwini

08-30-2007, 08:43 AM	#6
flamingo One Word: Croutons. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Age: 17 Posts: 1,878	It's always better to have a bigger tank, but you probably won't necessarily need to upgrade "soon." They have the possibility of getting a foot, etc. but they could take a few years in some cases, before they're full grown. And I also agree that it's swimming motions are normal. . __________________ I'm still around from time to time. If you'd like to chat, send me a pm and i'll tell you where to contact me

08-31-2007, 04:54 PM	#7
TigerBarb12 Tiger Barb Alpha Male Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Milford, OH Age: 16 Posts: 541	You could get a 46 gal, but id go with a 55. __________________ My Tank 38 Gallon: Tiger Barb x5 Serpae Tetra x6 Blue Gourami x1 Bloodfin Tetra x2 Gold Barb x1 10 Gallon: Gold Gourami x1 10 Gallon: 5 Shiners (Wild)

08-31-2007, 06:28 PM	#8
Danh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Age: 24 Posts: 634	I don't think you told us how big the fish is right now. That would determine whether or not you NEED a bigger tank now, or if you can wait. I agree, bigger is always better, so you might as well go ahead and do it if you can. __________________ 450g-30"&20"0.bichirossum,18" cichla temX,12"p.ornatipinnis&lapradei,2x15"c.temensis,15 " c.orinocensis,12"L.platrhynchus, 30" Crock I gar 180g-10" d.pulcher,2x8"d. pulcher, 3x8"c.orinocensis, 7"jardini 90g-4"stripeneck musk turtle,8xc.macracanthus 3-7",2x7" s.tanereius 30g-2x7" a.batrachus 30g-4"p.delhezi&endlicheri, 4"m.irwini

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08-29-2007, 09:54 AM	#2
FishHead What are you looking at? Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NJ Age: 28 Posts: 603	what is your PH? ammonia? nitrates? nitrites? also, a black ghost knife requires a minimum of 50 gal to survive.they get 8" or more and are capable to get over a foot long.a 25 is way too small for him.They are secretive fish and will become stressed if unable to find a secure hiding place. They are sensitive to poor water quality, and so require excellent filtration and regular aquarium maintenance. It requires a minimum of a 50 gallon tank with excellent filtration. It is generally timid and reclusive, preferring a fine-gravel-bottom aquarium with plenty of roots and rocks for hiding places, as well as subdued to dark lighting. To better appreciate this fish, many hobbyists will purchase a "ghost tube," a clear plastic tube that facilitates viewing during the day. Once accustomed to its surroundings, the Black Ghost Knifefish can become incredibly tame and trusting to the point of being hand-held. It does well with other, larger species of a peaceful nature, but may be aggressive towards those of similar or smaller size. Omnivorous, the Black Ghost Knifefish will eat all types of live foods including meat, chopped earthworms, as well as frozen and flaked foods.

08-30-2007, 05:56 AM	#5
kamikaziie Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4	thank you for the replies i'll be getting a clear silicone tube for the fish, do you recommend me getting a larger tank now, or is ok to wait til it grows a bit?

09-01-2007, 01:08 AM	#9
judya Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Columbus, Ohio Age: 55 Posts: 223	Just a thought, but how's the temp in the tank? Could it be hanging out by the heater cause it's the warmest place in the tank?

09-05-2007, 01:14 AM	#10
kamikaziie Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4	sorry for the late replies guys, just have been caught up with stuff at uni hmm the blackghost knife itself 8cms hmmm the water tempreature of the tank is about 27degrees celius, i set the heater to about 28 a few weeks ago because i had an outbreak of whitespot/ich, it seem to have cleared up, i was going to ask about that should i bring the temp down to 25 degrees its summer here and gets to about 27-33 degrees in house about 26 the fish seem to be fine now.. but i just fed them and they did not eat alot i have the water flowing towards the heater so i am thinking the tank is 27degrees all the way around i have added a new piece of driftwood which the gosh knife hides in.. ill post a picture of my tank up soon again thank you for all the help = ) because the ghost knife seems alot happier atm

09-05-2007, 11:01 AM	#11
Fishfirst Fish Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern Wisconsin Age: 24 Posts: 3,650 Blog Entries: 5	50 gallons would be small for an adult bgk. I would suggest a 75 for the extra width or a 120 would be optimal. Planning for the future is best done as soon as possible. __________________ 210 Gal Reef w/ 55 Gallon Sump/Fuge, 125 Gal Fish Only, 65 Gal Seahorse-29 Gallon Sump, 55 Gal FOWLR, 54 Gal Corner FW Community, 20 Gal Nano FOWLR, 55 Gal Piranha, 29 gallon QT "All the yellow tangs and clownfish in the world can't save you now! hahahah" Peter from Family Guy

09-05-2007, 12:25 PM	#12
Clerk I Left w/ My Krew Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 471	I would say 100 gallons is a better minimum, but the tank size of 125 would be more common/cheaper. __________________ Four Tanks 55 Gallon - Planted Display Tank 50 Gallon Community 20 Gallon - High-Light Planted Breeder 29 Gallon - Newt

09-05-2007, 04:01 PM	#13
Gourami Swami Supreme Dictator For Life Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somewhere out Yonder... Posts: 1,110	a 75g would be minimum. If youve seen a full grown one you would agree with me. And while the size isnt urgent considering its so small, I would styart saving for th etank now and get it soon. It will help the BGK grow faster, and you would never have to worry if your waiting too long. __________________

09-20-2007, 01:02 AM	#14
kamikaziie Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4	!!!! my black ghost knife disappeared.. it was eating and everything but now it has just gone? i have 2 lemon tetras, one angel fish, one silver shark, 10 neon tetras, two clowloaches and one bristlenose.. does anyone have any idea where it might have gone? i added the tube and what not... thanks in advance

09-22-2007, 10:49 AM	#15
Baby_Baby Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tulsa Posts: 3,808 Blog Entries: 1	Any update on this? Did you look on the uh...floor? __________________ "By avoiding the very thing you despise the most, by trying to be "different" by striving to be so "unique", you've become the sole and center of all that you held so high on the pedestal of disgusting mortality deemed society."

09-22-2007, 11:15 AM	#16
Fishfirst Fish Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern Wisconsin Age: 24 Posts: 3,650 Blog Entries: 5	also thats a lot of fish for a 25 gallon tank... did you leave it for any extended amount of time... canibalism is common. __________________ 210 Gal Reef w/ 55 Gallon Sump/Fuge, 125 Gal Fish Only, 65 Gal Seahorse-29 Gallon Sump, 55 Gal FOWLR, 54 Gal Corner FW Community, 20 Gal Nano FOWLR, 55 Gal Piranha, 29 gallon QT "All the yellow tangs and clownfish in the world can't save you now! hahahah" Peter from Family Guy

09-22-2007, 03:37 PM	#17
Obsidian Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Arizona Age: 37 Posts: 1,070	If he is not on the floor it is possible he is hiding really well. Sometimes fish can hide so well it will surprise you. __________________ Obsidian 20 gallon 1 Dwarf Gourami; 5 Cherry Barbs; 7 Black Neon Tetras; 3 Peppered Cory's; 1 Albino Bristlenose Pleco (Old Blondie) 10 gallon Breaking it down for storage. 5.5 gallon Betta 100 gallon 7 giant danios; 4 Rosy Barbs, 1 German Blue Ram, 7 Julie Cory cats, 2 Burmese Loaches; 4 Zebra Danios

09-22-2007, 05:05 PM	#18
Scootydoo Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 48	Yea that is a pretty overstocked tank, I wouldn't be suprised if they just nibbled him up or he just got sick of the chaos and jumped :/

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