Input for Geophagus Sveni

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Two, if you get a pair, should be no problem, sveni pairs I've had might fuss and chase a bit at times, but that's been about it. If two aren't a pair it can depend on gender, individual temperament and what else is in the tank, similar with three. I have three in a tank after moving a pair to another tank. For a while they had a tendency to fuss with each other after two of them formed a pair for a while (based primarily on behavior with each other, they appear to be two males, one female). Nothing serious and they've since settled down to be quite peaceful, which was after adding an adult male Heros notatus last year. He's the tank boss and since then the pair seem less interested in spawning.

I've seen people do single adults also, they may or may not boss the tank, but it normally seems to work, assuming compatible tank mates. I've had geos for close to 20 years, now, and while a group makes a nice display and I enjoy their social behavior, the 'geos need to be in groups' thing can be overstated, especially for adults.

Differences in gender mix, individual temperament, tank mates, tank size-- some people overlook these things when they dogmatically make predictions about what will or won't work, especially if their experience is limited to a single group. Some fish don't follow the rules. :-)
 
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An update:

I decided to go with "whitish pool filter sand". I did a comparison between pool filter sand/play sand/ carib sea sunset gold. The pool sand was the heaviest, smoothest and had consistent grain size.

I have also added a white privacy background for the rear of the tank.


I have tendency to fill the tank with rocks wood and plants from my aquascapeing passion.. Trying to leave it as bare as possible to provide more swimming room.

Today I go pick up 2 grown sveni, non mated pair and cross my fingers I have a male and female that pair.
I opted to get 2 instead of a group of MMF.
Temp is set to 79.


Did a fast cycle with used media in the fx5. I have a nitrate reading and hoping the cycle will be able to support them.
Its been a week with water.
 
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A thought, with nitrate at just low recommended numbers- how do you folks keep plants?
For heavy sand sifters such as any geophagus species, anubias or java fern will probably be your best friend seeing that the rhizomes cannot be buried in the substrate. Tie or glue them off to driftwood or rock, or can add pothos and let the roots grow from on top of the tank.
Large weekly water changes to keep nitrates as low as possible will be your best friend as well.
I've kept a sveni as a solo in a SA setup and never had issues with tank mates.
 
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