? Need expert advice re ghost + malawi

[wannaarro]

So, I've got my African tank up and going, all is well. I had picked up a beautiful 5 inch BGK at PetSmart (had to save him from "darla's) (she's the little brat in Finding Nemo).. I'm gearing space and $ wise for a breeder tank for him, (teacher pay, 55g +all necessaries + fish took funds for now); for now the Ghost (Mack) is in the Rift Lake tank (4 2in yellow labs, 3 2in cobalt blues). I've been reading conflicting info--I do know that the pH, kH, gH levels are probably too high for him (need to get addditonal test kit) but alot of people seem to keep a South American with Africans just fine. What do you guys think? He's been in a week with them (crushed coral topstrate), separate controlled feedings, acting normal, etc., but will the higher levels stress him out too much? I can always sell something and get the money for another tank ahead of schedule if I'm lucky. . . thanks, ~renee

 

[oscar300]

my water is hardish but I do alot to soften/buffer it. I have a breeding pair of cichlisoma sajica in with him and he gets spanked by these little guys when there breeding. He is 11" and very cute, wouldnt change him for anything! Just give him a nice pipe to hide in and whatch those cichlids!!

 

[JD_MAN]

I have mine in with some frontsas and demasonis and they seem to be doing fine together.

I have never tested my waters, but he seems happy. He and my synodontis are buddies. They hang out in the same tube together and once the lights go off they are all over the tank.

 

[kody1192]

got any pics? my bgk seems very hardy. ooh ya eventually when your bgk is bigger your gonna need a bigger tank then a 55 gallon. a 75 at the smallest. but you have a while until you will have to upgrade if hes only 5"