Black ghost knifefish

Humpy · 10-20-2006, 06:34 PM

how big of a tank is required for a black ghost knifefish?
And what fish are compatible with it?

flamingo · 10-20-2006, 06:48 PM

30 gallon to start out, in the long run, 100 gallons for a full grown one.

Non-aggressive, and big enough tankmates. No cichlids, or fish that'll be easily eaten.

Phantom_Cichlid · 10-20-2006, 06:50 PM

well i hope its not going in with the ones you have now but i believe it needs a 75 or larger

Puffer Pita · 10-20-2006, 06:50 PM

At least 100g, IMO, and anything peaceful that doesn't fit into its mouth.

Humpy · 10-23-2006, 07:56 PM

well give me some examples of some good fish to put in with him. Ones that aren't lame

Puffer Pita · 10-23-2006, 07:58 PM

Depends on the size of the tank and what you consider "lame."

Phonemonkey · 10-23-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humpy

well give me some examples of some good fish to put in eith him. Ones that aren't lame

Do you have a massive tank?

If not, just don't get one.

Humpy · 10-23-2006, 09:20 PM

well its starting out in a 20g quarantine tank and will move to a 33g after being in quarantine for a month. Then when it starts to grow more will move to wutever size it needs for when its full grown.

Now i've been looking into the BGK and it says it requires a pH of 6-7, but my water out of the tap is about an 8, is this going to be okay or should i lower it? How would i go about lower it and keeping it low when anytime i change water i will introduce higher pH.

My other question is the water hardness, My water is rated at the top end of moderately hard, and the BGk requires soft to medium. How would i got about changing this?

Puffer Pita · 10-23-2006, 09:22 PM

The point is that you shouldn't get it unless you have a tank big enough for its full adult size, or you are going to stunt it by keeping it in a tank that's too small. Stunting causes health problems and premature death and isn't a humane way to treat a living creature. I would love a black ghost knife, always have. But I don't have an appropriate home for one so I won't get one and cause it to suffer because of my selfishness.

Phonemonkey · 10-23-2006, 09:35 PM

Did you already buy it?

Humpy · 10-23-2006, 09:39 PM

i will have a tank big enough. It doesn't need to start out in a 100g tank when its 4inch. As needed i will get bigger tanks. No i haven't bought it yet, I am preparing to buy it

Phonemonkey · 10-23-2006, 09:59 PM

So far, you've killed a green terror, a spotted rubberlip pleco, and a raphael.

Please don't buy a knifefish.

Humpy · 10-23-2006, 10:16 PM

lol thanx thats real nice.
Are you tryin to tell me you've never lost a fish?
There was no learning curve for you? You just automatically knew everything?

I didnt research any of those fish.
The Raphael got sick from the fish store and i dont know wut happen with the other 2. My 33g tank is just about ready and when it is i want to get the other tank goin for the knifefish. This time i am researching the fish and i am going to get everything right before i add it. I will keep it alone in the tank. And as he grows i will move him to bigger tanks. I learned alot from the first tank i setup up and i plan on doing alot better with the next tank.

locojay · 10-24-2006, 12:23 AM

I think it's safe to say we've all lost fish and we've all had learning curves. I don't think that's what Phonemonkey's trying to say. It's good that you're researching the ghost knife, but maybe you should wait a little while before buying anymore fish. I think it would be good for you to concentrate on getting the fish you have into a stable/healthy environment. Get your 180g, get it stable and maintain it for a few months. You never know, you might decide that one big tank is more than enough to keep you busy.

We've definitely all gone thru a learning curve but at some point you have to limit the number of fish you take around that curve.

Humpy · 10-24-2006, 06:45 AM

point taken, well put

Gourami Swami · 10-24-2006, 02:19 PM

And also, I hope you know that the fish currently in your 33 will need at least a 150 gallon all to their own. S If you end up getting a BGK, you will need to set up two 150 gallon tank very soon. I would say that within 4 months you will NEED to have the Oscar tank set up, and Im not sure how fast BGK's grow, but you will need another 150 probly by the end of the year. Do you really think you will be able to do that? If you arent prepared to set up two 150 gallon tanks , which can be quite expensive, within ten months or so from now, Do not get a black ghpst knife, and ESPECIALLY dont get it now.

Zoe · 10-24-2006, 02:59 PM

If you don't have the tank NOW, don't get the fish. It's easy to get the fish saying "I'll ge the tank when the fish gets older". Well, things happen, other expenses come up, your priorities change... in 4 months you may not want, or be able, to spend $1000 on a 150gal tank, stand, light fixture, bulbs, gravel, etc etc. Which you will already have to do with your current 33 gallon occupants.

Phonemonkey · 10-24-2006, 03:19 PM

I'm sure hes moved on by now to some other forum that will tell him what he wants to hear.

flamingo · 10-24-2006, 04:46 PM

Well, to quickly say this before I log off. I think he's already mentioned that he already has the bgk..

Bgk's need 100 gallons at least when fully grown, but basically...it should be about a year and a half before he needs to upgrade considerably.

Humpy · 10-24-2006, 05:51 PM

yes i know i need a new tank for my oscars. I am looking for a 180 or bigger, and i'm am searching right now for a reasonably priced one. When i find one i will buy it and set it up and move them.
I dont have the BGK i have been researching it and preparing my quarantine tank for it. I was going to keep it in there for a month to make sure it is okay. By then i should have my Oscars new tank and i will move the oscars to the larger tank and I will move the BGK to the 33g. The whole while i will be searching for a 100-120g tank as well to move the BGK to. I have enough money right now to buy and setup both tanks. Just looking around for the right one

10-20-2006, 06:34 PM	#1
Humpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 167	Black ghost knifefish how big of a tank is required for a black ghost knifefish? And what fish are compatible with it?

10-20-2006, 06:48 PM	#2
flamingo One Word: Croutons. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Age: 17 Posts: 1,897	30 gallon to start out, in the long run, 100 gallons for a full grown one. Non-aggressive, and big enough tankmates. No cichlids, or fish that'll be easily eaten. __________________ If you put "u" instead of typing out the actual, shocking, three letter word... i'm not going to read your ramblings. I'm so behind it's not even funny.

10-20-2006, 06:50 PM	#3
Phantom_Cichlid Confused Fish Keeper Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Age: 19 Posts: 613	well i hope its not going in with the ones you have now but i believe it needs a 75 or larger __________________ The store that sold you those fish was trying to make money. The people on this board are replying for free because they care about fish. Please, take our word, not theirs.

10-20-2006, 06:50 PM	#4
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,677	At least 100g, IMO, and anything peaceful that doesn't fit into its mouth. __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

10-23-2006, 07:56 PM	#5
Humpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 167	well give me some examples of some good fish to put in with him. Ones that aren't lame Last edited by Humpy; 10-23-2006 at 09:46 PM.

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10-23-2006, 07:58 PM	#6
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,677	Depends on the size of the tank and what you consider "lame." __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

10-23-2006, 09:20 PM	#8
Humpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 167	well its starting out in a 20g quarantine tank and will move to a 33g after being in quarantine for a month. Then when it starts to grow more will move to wutever size it needs for when its full grown. Now i've been looking into the BGK and it says it requires a pH of 6-7, but my water out of the tap is about an 8, is this going to be okay or should i lower it? How would i go about lower it and keeping it low when anytime i change water i will introduce higher pH. My other question is the water hardness, My water is rated at the top end of moderately hard, and the BGk requires soft to medium. How would i got about changing this? Last edited by Humpy; 10-23-2006 at 09:28 PM.

10-23-2006, 09:22 PM	#9
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,677	The point is that you shouldn't get it unless you have a tank big enough for its full adult size, or you are going to stunt it by keeping it in a tank that's too small. Stunting causes health problems and premature death and isn't a humane way to treat a living creature. I would love a black ghost knife, always have. But I don't have an appropriate home for one so I won't get one and cause it to suffer because of my selfishness. __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

10-23-2006, 09:35 PM	#10
Phonemonkey Nubicus Gigantus Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa Age: 30 Posts: 51	Did you already buy it?

10-23-2006, 09:39 PM	#11
Humpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 167	i will have a tank big enough. It doesn't need to start out in a 100g tank when its 4inch. As needed i will get bigger tanks. No i haven't bought it yet, I am preparing to buy it

10-23-2006, 09:59 PM	#12
Phonemonkey Nubicus Gigantus Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa Age: 30 Posts: 51	So far, you've killed a green terror, a spotted rubberlip pleco, and a raphael. Please don't buy a knifefish.

10-23-2006, 10:16 PM	#13
Humpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 167	lol thanx thats real nice. Are you tryin to tell me you've never lost a fish? There was no learning curve for you? You just automatically knew everything? I didnt research any of those fish. The Raphael got sick from the fish store and i dont know wut happen with the other 2. My 33g tank is just about ready and when it is i want to get the other tank goin for the knifefish. This time i am researching the fish and i am going to get everything right before i add it. I will keep it alone in the tank. And as he grows i will move him to bigger tanks. I learned alot from the first tank i setup up and i plan on doing alot better with the next tank. Last edited by Humpy; 10-23-2006 at 10:32 PM.

10-24-2006, 12:23 AM	#14
locojay Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 30 Posts: 320	I think it's safe to say we've all lost fish and we've all had learning curves. I don't think that's what Phonemonkey's trying to say. It's good that you're researching the ghost knife, but maybe you should wait a little while before buying anymore fish. I think it would be good for you to concentrate on getting the fish you have into a stable/healthy environment. Get your 180g, get it stable and maintain it for a few months. You never know, you might decide that one big tank is more than enough to keep you busy. We've definitely all gone thru a learning curve but at some point you have to limit the number of fish you take around that curve. __________________ Jay 55g: 1 pearl gourami 12 harlequin rasbora 4 neon dwarf rainbow 6 peppered cory 4 albino cory 4 upside down catfish 2 clown pleco 1 red tail albino shark 40g: 4 boesemani rainbow 6 long fin zebra danio 10 neon tetra 3 yoyo loach 2 amano shrimp 7 otto

10-24-2006, 06:45 AM	#15
Humpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 167	point taken, well put

10-24-2006, 02:19 PM	#16
Gourami Swami Supreme Dictator For Life Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somewhere out Yonder... Posts: 1,102	And also, I hope you know that the fish currently in your 33 will need at least a 150 gallon all to their own. S If you end up getting a BGK, you will need to set up two 150 gallon tank very soon. I would say that within 4 months you will NEED to have the Oscar tank set up, and Im not sure how fast BGK's grow, but you will need another 150 probly by the end of the year. Do you really think you will be able to do that? If you arent prepared to set up two 150 gallon tanks , which can be quite expensive, within ten months or so from now, Do not get a black ghpst knife, and ESPECIALLY dont get it now. __________________

10-24-2006, 02:59 PM	#17
Zoe <·)))< Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ottawa Age: 22 Posts: 1,030	If you don't have the tank NOW, don't get the fish. It's easy to get the fish saying "I'll ge the tank when the fish gets older". Well, things happen, other expenses come up, your priorities change... in 4 months you may not want, or be able, to spend $1000 on a 150gal tank, stand, light fixture, bulbs, gravel, etc etc. Which you will already have to do with your current 33 gallon occupants. __________________ 90g pltd: angelfish [black, leopard, platinum, silver zebra & gold vt] · glass catfish · harlequin rasbora · neon & rummy nosed tetra · sterpai & spotted cory · bristlenose pleco 28g pltd: scarlet badis · oto cats · bristlenose 16g pltd: flame & honey gourami · cherry barbs 8g (soon to be 18g): 15 lbs LR · 10 lbs LS · YSP · zoas · shrooms · flame & hammer corals · brittle star · scarlet & electric blue hermits · firefish

10-24-2006, 03:19 PM	#18
Phonemonkey Nubicus Gigantus Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa Age: 30 Posts: 51	I'm sure hes moved on by now to some other forum that will tell him what he wants to hear.

10-24-2006, 04:46 PM	#19
flamingo One Word: Croutons. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Age: 17 Posts: 1,897	Well, to quickly say this before I log off. I think he's already mentioned that he already has the bgk.. Bgk's need 100 gallons at least when fully grown, but basically...it should be about a year and a half before he needs to upgrade considerably. __________________ If you put "u" instead of typing out the actual, shocking, three letter word... i'm not going to read your ramblings. I'm so behind it's not even funny.

10-24-2006, 05:51 PM	#20
Humpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 167	yes i know i need a new tank for my oscars. I am looking for a 180 or bigger, and i'm am searching right now for a reasonably priced one. When i find one i will buy it and set it up and move them. I dont have the BGK i have been researching it and preparing my quarantine tank for it. I was going to keep it in there for a month to make sure it is okay. By then i should have my Oscars new tank and i will move the oscars to the larger tank and I will move the BGK to the 33g. The whole while i will be searching for a 100-120g tank as well to move the BGK to. I have enough money right now to buy and setup both tanks. Just looking around for the right one

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