Geo's in a 55G?

zachjohnson65

AC Members
Mar 31, 2007
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Staunton, VA
I just watch a videos of Geo's and i think i'm in love.
Are there any species of Geo's that could live in a 55G? I would need ones that love to pick and spit through the substrate. (wife's request) I have hard water and a PH of 8.3 Thanks
 
nah, they reach about a foot for males, females a little smaller. you might try rams. the water is a little hard, but if you can find locally bred ones (not imported) then you might make it work.
 
Rams are Microgeophagus but in my experience, don't behave the same way as the larger Geophagus spp.. If its the sand-sifting and digging behavior you are after, most of the commonly available species get 10-12". There was a new species featured in TFH a few months ago, Geophagus parnaibae that looks to stay closer to 3-4" but I have no idea about its availability. Satanoperca jurupari stays closer to 10" so a pair might be suitable for a 55. Just make sure you acclimate them slowly as they are generally thought of as softwater fish. They can adapt to a higher KH but I would drip acclimate them for an hour or so, depending on the source (LFS) water parameters.
 
i really like the sand sifting action. Anyone else have any suggustions?
 
Do Geo's always search the substrate? i have read they are skiddish.
 
My favorite is the Acarichthys Heckelli too! I also like my Geophagus Surinamensis but the heckelli has a great personality. He is always the first of my fish to come to the front of the tank when I approach. You can't beat them for looks either - an absolutely gorgeous fish!
 
Do Acarichthys Heckelli sift sand?
Still searching for other options of, gymno,geo,sataoperca that stay smaller 5-8" and sift sand.
 
I might look into Geophagus Pellegrini from Pet Solutions.com if is becomes instock.
 
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