ghost knife - ? about quality of life

Freddy

Good news. I'm looking into 125 gallon aquariums, and they look great! But for a couple of 10" fish, isn't that a little too much? It'll also take a good amount of convincing for my parents to let me get something as big as this, but for my 16th birthday I think they might let me. Or maybe sooner than that. I just hope I can get it soon!

And none of the symptoms of internal pain are showing - eyes are normal size, the fish swim normally and come out for food every night. They have plenty of hiding places, but try to stay in the back - to avoid any lamps that are on in the same room. They seem happy.

Kelso

It sounds like a lot, but never forget-even the biggest aquariums don't compare to the real world. There is a possibility your fish may grow bigger than 10 inches...maybe even 15 inches. I think 100 could be suitable minimally, just saying. I'm glad to hear that you are considering getting something to keep your animals healthy. Hopefully you can do it soon.

Freddy

Now I'm looking into building aquariums. Maybe this will make it easier to have a 125 gal.

iamntbatman

I bought a 125g including filters, lids, lights, wooden stand, heaters, and tons of other accessories for $150. Granted it's in storage right now as I've got nowhere to put it, but hey. I would keep an eye out for deals like that.

The thing is that the fish are really, really long and fairly rigid so they need lots of room just to get around. A 125 would be really nice and yes, you'd have TONS of room left in the tank for more fish. But that's just an excuse to get more fish, right?

Freddy

Sadly, I have to let my fish go. But I did find a new home for all of them!

But the guy lives pretty far from me... Anyway, I know he will take good care of the fish!

jaysee

that was the right thing to do. If you want to keep a knife, look into africans. They are smaller and easier to keep.

CSGT Scowen

With regard to the hiding behaviour you have to remember that the BGK it primarly a Nocturnal fish.
Plus they are shy at some points lol.

fishfreak2009

Black Ghost Knifefish need a big tank. I have seen multiple specimens reach full size (20 inches) in captivity. I currently own 2. 1 Ghost knife alone needs an aquarium of at least 75 gallons, with no tankmates. Mine are currently at 5 inches, growing an inch and a half every month. They are in a 180 gallon tank with 8 angelfish and use every bit of water available. They also need at least 150 gallons if you are keeping more than 1 because of the electrical fields in constant contact. Mine have both set up a territory. Each claimed half the tank. They are big fish that deserve proper husbandry and tanks.

Bhack91

Alright I have read this and i have decent amount of exprience with these fish. For Shamu I would suggest moving him up to a 55-75 gallon tank. He would mostly likely be set for life in that size tank. That tank is over stocked with the 2 eels and him along with the others you mentioned. In a 55, I would suggest a pair hatchet fish and a school of a 2"+ tetras not much more than that with him. That tank size will give your fish 4 feet to swim around in. As for freddy's pair I would suggest picking one of the knife fish and doing a very similar thing I mentioned with Shamu. Hope that helps.

Bukooblunt

I think it all depends on the fish imo...5 years ago when I got my first 5 gallon tank and was a newbie that didnt know bout tank size vs. fish growth I bought a pleco that was bout an inch or two long. Since then hes in a 20 gallon and he does great, and now bout 7 inches. Ive read that fish only grow to fit the size of their current tank so I wouldnt worry bout it if it seems healthy.
Hopefully when I get more money Ill transfer my guy into a 80 gallon: ) Hope this helps!