Are 55 gals acceptable for BGKs?

[Pyramid_Party]

There seems to be a debate about this. Some say a BGK is fine for life in a 55, and some say no. One of the problems is, theres also mixed info about max size of BGKs. Some people only say what they have read or heard, but havent actually seen a BGK reach the max size they have been claimed to reach. I even read a blog once that said BGKs can reach 3 foot! So is 55 gallons acccptable as the minimum or is it not?

 

[ettfettbranamn]

I'd go with no, I have actually seen an 18" bgk, still kicking myself for not picking it up.. and he was in a 55.. he looked cramped as hell..

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Good to know. Sometimes though, I think these 15/16/17/18 inchers are just monster BGKs. Meaning, some actually reach this size, but not all usually. I dont know, Im just trying to settle this debate I guess.

 

[Rambo85]

Id go with no - i have seen 15"+ BGK's and i understand they have the potential to get bigger still, for a fish with that size a 55 is not big enough imo

 

[Toby_H]

I have two that are 3 & 5 years old... both are right at 12"...

If you happen to get one of the rarities that get massive, meaning to big for a 55 gal, either upgrade the tank or sell it for an arm & a leg... but most will not out grow a 55 gal...

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I think you could do it, but you might want to upgrade just to give the fish more space...a 6' tank would be better

 

[arvicanthis]

sorry to hijack your thread. just bit confused,

thanks,

 

[Red Devil]

BGK is A Black Ghost Knife... i think fine in 55gal for awhile but if you have one that grows large you will need to upgrade size tank... mine is 13 inches in about a year and a half...

 

[arvicanthis]

Thanks for clearing that up, Red Devil

 

[andyjs]

I said no. I would say they need at least a 75-120 or up for life