Glass knifefish

[Plec123]

Can anyone share some info on glass knives with me? I think i want one...
In particular, would i be able to keep one in a 36L x 12"W x 20"H (38gal) tank?

Thanks in advance!

 

[benzjamin13]

These Knives are very shy and do best in groups. They can grow up to 12" but I haven't seen any that big (have to admit that I don't see them often though).

 

[Plec123]

These Knives are very shy and do best in groups. They can grow up to 12" but I haven't seen any that big (have to admit that I don't see them often though).

do you think that they would take up too much space as a group in my tank?

 

[~ocean]

^ possibly. Glass knife fish are fairly docile and usually only reach 10". They are very cool looking.

 

[jclyde13]

do you think that they would take up too much space as a group in my tank?

I think a single one would take up far too much space in your tank. I'd say 55 gallon minimum for them.

 

[Plec123]

I think a single one would take up far too much space in your tank. I'd say 55 gallon minimum for them.

crap.

ive been going through stocking ideas like mad...
on to the next idea then maybe an ABK... ive made threads about them before and was told that one would be fine...

 

[benzjamin13]

What else would go in the tank? Personally, I think a group of 4-6 would be fine in your tank with those dimensions.

 

[jclyde13]

crap.

ive been going through stocking ideas like mad...
on to the next idea then maybe an ABK... ive made threads about them before and was told that one would be fine...

ABK's get to the same size... I wouldn't get anything over 8" for such a small volume of water (other than bottom dwellers that aren't extremely active, which would do fine up to 10" imo).

There are plenty of interesting fish that would work for that tank size, I just don't think it's right to put a foot-long fish in a 38 gallon tank

 

[Plec123]

ABK's get to the same size... I wouldn't get anything over 8" for such a small volume of water (other than bottom dwellers that aren't extremely active, which would do fine up to 10" imo).

There are plenty of interesting fish that would work for that tank size, I just don't think it's right to put a foot-long fish in a 38 gallon tank

they do take time to get that big...

What else would go in the tank? Personally, I think a group of 4-6 would be fine in your tank with those dimensions.

right now there are some tetras, a blue acara, bristlenose pleco, clown pleco, and what I believe is a Chrysichthys cf. nigrodigitatus catfish that I will be bringing back to the LFS soon, as this cat is supposed to surpass 20" in length and be very active.

so if i were to get the knives, there would be a blue acara, tetras, BN plec, and clown plec.

there are also many crypts and anubias, and the bottom 10" of the tank is something of a network of plants and wood.

 

[MeiTnerium109]

so if i were to get the knives, there would be a blue acara, tetras, BN plec, and clown plec.

there are also many crypts and anubias, and the bottom 10" of the tank is something of a network of plants and wood.

If I'm correct, blue acaras are aggressive cichlids. Glass knifefish are fairly tender--a fish of that temperament could shred one to pieces, easy. I lost mine from an angelfish that went bonkers.

On the other hand, african black knifes are much tougher, and even more readily available. One would fit your stocking list much better.