BGK's

[avalon]

So I know this has probably been asked before, but ahvent come up with any definite answers on the search function, so figured I'd ask anyway LOL.

I've got a 55, that I may be emptying of fish, so I can add some new interesting fish. I've always loved BGK's, but after researching them when I first got into fish, I put em on the backburner till I had a big enough tank.

Can a BGK live in a 55 tank, as the sole occupant for 2-3 years, from what I've read they grow pretty fast at first, then take forever to reach their final size.

The tank doesn't have a lid, are BGK jumpers, I can gladwrap the top of the tank, but if their escape artists, I doubt that'd be enough.

Do they come out often? or do they hide all the time? The tank doesn't have a light, and is fairly dim most of the time, would they come out more?

BGk's, cost rather a lot around here, so I'm onl gonna go for one if I'm sure it'll be okay.

Thanks
Emma

 

[Andri Pogo]

I would say Yes, but i guess some people probably would say no...
It takes forever for them to grow and like you say, for 2-3 years i dont think it will be a problem but for a full grown 20" BGK its maybe a bit small.

I dont think they are jumpers, at least mine never tries anything, just cruises the bottom.
They hide alot when the lights are on so yours would probably be pretty active in the dark.

 

[avalon]

Well I did some more reading, and from what I've read they grow pretty fast up until about 12 inches, then slow down tonnes, a bit like oscars or clown loaches.

The reason for 2-3 years, is I'm still a kid, and don't earn that much money, but in 2 or 3 years, will have my license (only 6 months to go) and a proper job. Also I know it sounds harsh, but fish are such a crummy quality around here, if it lives for two years its definitely worth buying a new bigger tank for.

From what I've read most people keep them in 55's to start out with and upgrade when they get about 14 inch....

Will wait for some more opinions,

Emma

 

[avalon]

Still reading bout BGK's LOL, their fascinating creatures. What about a single angel and a BGK? and the Angel will be removed as it gets bigger, as the BGK's are generally sold at the 2 inch mark here, and an Angel would add some movement at the top of the tank until the BGK grows up. From what I've read BGK's are fine with Angels...

 

[Andri Pogo]

yes mine is with an angel, no problem

i bought my BGK at ~3" around 4 months ago and i has grown maybe a inch or two

 

[evercl92]

I almost say your tank will be perfect for it. Dimly lit from ambient light in the room will be great. IME, they don't grow all that fast, mine has ween from about 4in to 7 in since january.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Yes, they do hide almost all the time, except whem he comes out to eat. You can get one of those clear "ghostie tunnels" & hope he hangs out there, so you can observe him.

If all you have is crummy shops around, then you may be hard pressed to find the proper live food for them. All mine eats are live blackworms.

 

[avalon]

I was figuring on doing the same things I did with the eels, starting off with livebearer fry and weaning them onto frozen foods like bloodworms etc....

 

[avalon]

Well I've been doing research on feeding LOL, I'd rather skip the whole live feeders thing, it;s something I enjoy doing. From what I've read most people feed their BGK's on pellets, frozen and freeze dried food. I've got shrimp pellets, frozen bloodworms, frozen community blocks, freeze dried brine shrimp and freeze dried bloodworms here, If I added in freeze dried tubifex cubes would that be enough?

Called a couple of LFS's today, my fave store does sell BGK's, 2-3 inches at $17 each, thats the best price I've found yet.

 

[señor_pescados_felices]

Mine seemed to have all but stopped growing once it reached about 10-12"

as for tank mates they are usually quite passive but don't be surprised if it comes out at night and gives the other fish hell while its trying to rest.Mine attacks everything,and the only one who attacks it back is the Jag.

As for diet I don't know whats up with these stories of BGK accepting nothing but live black worms and bloodworms but mine eats market shrimp,krill,mealworms and nightcrawlers, and just recently started taking NLS jumbo and Hikari cichlid Gold pellets once in awhile.

55 gallons will be okay for quite a while,mine lived in one till about 9-10"

Good luck with your BGK!