[Flint]

I just got a bgk and hes really stressed but isn't going into his tube.. just swimming around the filter intake. Any advice?

 

[SeaHorse]

I would say to turn off the lights for at least today or a full day. Give him time to look around and find that tube in peace and quiet. They are nocturnal aren't they? Or more so than other fish?

 

[Flint]

Yes, they are nocturnal. I have the lights out. His only tankmate is a 2" oscar.

 

[jaysee]

Takes them time to settle in. Leave the lights off like was said.

 

[Flint]

He's sitting on his head straight up and down. He's stressing me out lol.

 

[Sanguinefox]

My how this place has gone downhill. And no one thinks to ask what the size of the tank is? No question on the conditions of the tank? How old is it is? My heart is there for big fish dude. So take heart to what I say cuz I'm only posting once. These fish need big tanks. To put it in perspective my 150 gallon may be long enough at 6' but 18" is too narrow of a width. Research their usual hardness they need. And look at what you are keeping it in. You shouldn't be keeping BGK with an oscar long term as is. Oscar is going to get big one day and he may not get along so well with the ghost knife. And if you are keeping in in a small tank, shame, dude, shame.

I don't care if you plan to get "bigger one later" because plans fall apart. Also these are super sensitive fish. The are scaleless fish, and stress easy, and can get sick easily when this young.

 

[jaysee]

That head standing is actually "normal".

Thank you for gracing us with your presence fox. It obviously didn't occur to you that we may not have wanted to blow the OP out of the water with information that doesn't answer their question. There is ALWAYS time to get into all that. It doesn't have to be the FIRST thing that gets said. But I guess it does for you since you will only be saying it once.

No need to shame anyone. That's not what we are about here. It's been a while since we've seen you so keep that in mind please.

 

[Flint]

The BGK and Oscar are in a QT for three weeks until they can be safely added to my newly cycled 75. The BGK grows slow so I have plenty of time with a 75.

 

[jaysee]

Sorry about that exchange there. Some peoples passion blinds them to courtesy.

You have about a year before the oscar will start wanting a larger tank. They grow extremely fast. The knife is not an active fish and will do fine in the 75 for a while. The oscar will dictate when you upgrade, not the knife.

 

[Flint]

Oscars min tank size is a 55 gal 75 is preferred why would I need a larger tank for him?

It's okay, I was on this site many moons ago I know how everyone here is. I can see that person has since been banned but I am not worried, there is always someone like that on a forum. I have had forums ban me because I didn't take their advice. I hop a lot but this will be my home for a good amount of time. Best forum out there.

 

[jaysee]

Because they are massive fish when full grown. My 90 came with a very large oscar and in my opinion it was honestly too big for the tank. The 55 gallon minimum is garbage. 75 is really the bare minimum for one. If you are content to provide the bare minimum then so be it - it's your call to make. However, I think in 12-18 months time you'll be looking for a 6 foot tank. 75 is a good grow out tank for big fish.

 

[Flint]

Okay, I'll watch him grow and make a call from there. I'm trying not to bother them but the bgk has taken to laying on its side so I keep turning the light on to make sure he's alive. I'm not too confident he'll be alive in the morning /:
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[jaysee]

Laying on its side is normal too. It's a very different fish to keep, and until you are familiar with it you will be stressed by the weirdness. Been there done that

Most important thing is to get it eating well. Is it? What are you feeding?

 

[Flint]

The stress is making my daughter kick like crazy lol. Hopefully he finds his tube soon and makes himself at home. He was eating while he was floating so I was fairly confident he'd be okay but this behavior is crazy!!
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[jaysee]

Best thing is to get it eating a staple food, which can be a challenge.

I suggest moving the oscar to the 75 when it's ready and leaving the knife in quarantine until it is chowing down on pellets.

 

[Flint]

He picked at shrimp pellets but went crazy for the bloodworms. Took them from my hand. I'll see what he does with cichlid pellets tomorrow.
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[Chesh]

It's okay, I was on this site many moons ago I know how everyone here is. I can see that person has since been banned but I am not worried, there is always someone like that on a forum. I have had forums ban me because I didn't take their advice. I hop a lot but this will be my home for a good amount of time. Best forum out there.

Thanks for understanding, Flint - sorry for that unpleasantness. We wouldn't be here if not for our awesome members, and we want to keep you guys around! (so having returned, you'd better not leave again or we'll CRY! T_T)

I'm sorry that I have nothing to add that would be helpful to you, either! Glad to see you've got Jaysee helping out, though! You're in good hands - he's one of our best! BGK are notoriously quirky critters, I can only imagine how nervous owning one would make me, lol - and you better believe I'd be hunting poor Jaysee down for his thoughts every 3 minutes - in a panic! ~_^

Good luck with the fishy! Such amazing animals. . . I'm jealous of you both!

 

[Flint]

I got my 75 for $25 with stand on CL -hinthint- I've seen the videos on YouTube so I'm pretty excited but it's so stressful!! Lol

I won't leave you again!! Anything but tears!! Glad to be back!!
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[Flint]

He was stuck to the intake so I covered it.
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[jaysee]

Again, normal for the position its in You don;t have to worry about covering the intake. How big is it?