New tankmate ideas for Geophagus

F

flickafish

AC Members
Sep 19, 2007
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Massachusetts
I have an established 55g currently with 1 geo, 1 pleco, 2 corys, and 4 rainbows. I had 3 juvy geos when I started 2 years ago, but the largest of the 3 was constantly harassing the other two, and I think they were "bullied" to death. :( And this week, I recently had what could have been a major crisis: my 9 yr old son tripped the circuit breaker to the tank, and everything was down overnight (or longer?) The temp was down to 54!!!!!! :eek3: So I lost a rainbow and 2 corys because of it.

I'd like to add some more fish, particularly more rainbows. I know geos are nice in groups, but my remaining geo seems to be a meanie who doesn't tolerate other geos well. He doesn't bother his other tankmates though. I'd like add some more interest and/or color to the tank, but I need ideas. Large gouramis? More corys? Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
If I was you, I'd take the jurupari back to the fish store and then stock up whatever you like. He's going to max out that tank anyway, so why delay the inevitable? That might have something to do with the aggression issues as well.

Another option is a bigger tank dedicated to the geos and keep the 55 for the rainbows.
 
Getting another tank isn't an option, so I'll have to make do with the 55g. I purchased the eartheater almost 2 years ago, so I don't think my LFS is gonna take it back. Am I mistaken?
 
that just means you've grown it for them, and your store will be able to sell the bigger fish at a higher price :D
 
Most stores take fish as trade ins, depending on the fish. At the store I work at, we give 1/4 the price we can sell it for. The bigger the fish, the better the trade in value. Best case is call and ask.
 
Sorry to say that a 55g is just a bit too small for Satanoperca jurupari. I'd say they need a at least 125g tank to house a school of 5+ fish. Like others have said your lfs will definitely take it back.
 
Gymnogeophagus would be more suitable because they don't get nearly as large, but they are from cooler regions, so room temperature is fine. Is the tank in a garage or something?

Some rainbows might be fine at temps in the 60s, but you would need to find out where they're from.
 
^ agree with FSM and Abarilot. The gymno idea would work for that size tank (love El Norte myself). The rainbows would not do so well in the cool down period needed for gymnogeophagus though. If you don't like that idea I say load up on corydora. Great fish and would be happy with that tank size. Add a bubble wall of you want to see totally different behavior from them. I miss my sterbae school and will keep a large school again one day. ;)
 
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