View Full Version : Black Ghost Knife
I am thinking of getting a bgk. And was wondering what I can put in the tank that the fish can hide in, and feel confortable. I have heard pvc works good for this, but I just don't like the look of a chunk of pvc in my tank. Any suggestions.
I currently have a rock cave structure I made out of river rocks, and silicone. It's been in my tank for three weeks, and none of my levels have changed in the least.
benzjamin13
02-03-2006, 12:22 AM
They sell these clear tubes in pet shops specifically designed for these guys. BGK can sense electrical fields to make up for their poor eye sight. So as long as it has an entrance and exit with a "roof", it'll like it.
A clear tube would be nice. I'd be able to see it all the time that way. How would the light effect the fish. I know they are basically blind, but they can still sense light right. I am thinking about putting in my tank some floating plants (hornwart) to soften the light penetration. And I just think it look good.
benzjamin13
02-06-2006, 3:27 AM
I think they definately prefer sub-dued lighting. But as long as they feel protected, they shouldn't be stressing about light too much...as long as the lights arn't on 24/7
Right now I have a rock cave, surrounded by cocomba, and hornwart. The light still penetrates a little. I even put a piece of slate in front of the opening, so that now the pleco can't get inside of the cave. The bgk went right into the cave, and has stayed there all the time until lights out. It eats every time I feed it, so I guess it isn't too stressed out. My lights are on about 10-12 hours a day.
Heres how I set up my BGK tank.. Lots of coverage, and some of that nice fake hollow driftwood.. I bought mine at Walmart :) Almost like it was designed for a BGK.. The more comfortable they feel, the more often they will come out. I like the driftwood because of its natural look, and it still has holes in it so you can view the fish.. But once they get settled in, hopefully they will come out more often :)
GoodMike
02-07-2006, 2:09 AM
MILES, I WANT YOU TO REDESIGN MY TANK...HOLY COW! i love it, btw where did you get those plants, i may want some...
If you want to use a clear pvc tube a good way to make it look better is to cover parts of it in silacone then role it in sand or gravel, this gives you sections to look through but also blends it into your deco.
hewhorunswithscissors
03-03-2006, 4:15 PM
I have mine in this tank (I tried to attach photo... hope it worked). Just hides under some leaves or near driftwood... actually, he very seldom hides at all. Because there are ample places to hide, he feels secure I suppose. He is out all the time, light does not seem to bother him at all. FYI, same with my fire eel... bascially never hides. Go for the plant / driftwood / rock natural look instead of a PVC tube. Your ghost will thank you!!
hewhorunswithscissors
03-03-2006, 4:16 PM
OMG I am so sorry about the size of that pic. I had no idea and I don't know how to resize. SORRY GUYS. Mods, if you need to delete, I understand. OOPS.
i've have a clear tube. for mine and a heavily planted tank. it also like caves.
rook45
03-03-2006, 8:43 PM
pvc pipe
drdpc
03-03-2006, 10:02 PM
I love this kind of tank!! If don't have how to do that, you may use a broken bark coconut, while they are small!!!
I keep mine in a heavily planted tank with a lot of caves. I also have surface plants to diffuse the lightning.
Daniel Machado
03-04-2006, 10:48 AM
Miles,
THAT'S a nice knife tank. Any pics of the resident knife? :D
Best regards.
Daniel.
paltik
03-05-2006, 1:34 PM
My 5" BGK doesn't do much but swim vertically at the corner of my tank, I gave him a PVC pipe, it won't go near it...
Mourinho18
03-05-2006, 2:17 PM
thats a very nice tank guy :)
Sensai77
03-16-2006, 9:09 AM
i keep one
i keep him with 2 leaf-fish and 3 clown loaches and everything seems fine
JohnH.
03-21-2006, 11:21 PM
I have had my BGK for about a month now. I have a 72 gallon bowfront and I found the perfect lacerock cave for him that will fit him when he's fully grown. Here's a pic of the tank:
JohnH.
03-21-2006, 11:23 PM
Also, does anyone know if an african brown knife and a BGK will be compatible or not? Thanks. Oh, here's a pic of my BGK.
Daniel Machado
03-22-2006, 8:51 PM
Nice tank, bro, and nice BGK. :thumbsup:
Best regards.
Daniel.
JohnH.
03-26-2006, 12:16 AM
Thanks. I got the african brown knife. Petsmart had several large (7") ones for $8.99 so I couldn't resist. So far no problems. The brown isn't coming out much yet, he's a bit shy. I've been able to get him to come out with frozen brine shrimp though. I'll get a pic when he comes out from hiding long enough to get a pic. Beautiful fish.
Miles
03-26-2006, 12:56 AM
Make sure you watch their behavior at night :) ... This is whent he Ghost Knife might be a little more aggressive towards the African counterpart..
flamenco-t
03-27-2006, 12:35 PM
My 5" BGK doesn't do much but swim vertically at the corner of my tank, I gave him a PVC pipe, it won't go near it...
Mines used to swim vertically too around the corner. I tried to lure food from his area into the clear tube and eventually, he start noticing the tube and now, it become his fav place.
sypher
03-28-2006, 11:15 AM
:headbang2 :headbang2 :headbang2 BLACK GHOST KNIFEFISH :headbang2 :headbang2 :headbang2
starrfish71
03-28-2006, 6:19 PM
I have a small BGK, and his favorite hideout is a hurricane lamp top. It's completely clear and doesn't detract form the tank in any way. No offense to pet shop owners, but the "ghost tubes" are just ugly, IMHO. ( and I worked at plenty of pet shops and sold plenty of those to plenty of people)
sypher
03-28-2006, 7:47 PM
"hurricane lamp top" that is a cool idea... i hate the look of the tubes that they sell for the BGK, what a great idea you had... :clap :clap :clap