I'm getting a 4" geo heckelli soon and was wondering that in a 55 gallon if I could put like a few rams, a school of tetras, and a dwarf gourami. Would that overcrowd the tank at all the fish full grown, and if it is, what size tank would I need. Thanks
Overcrowding???
- Thread starter michaelrwatson1999
- Start date
There was an article in Cichlid News magazine suggesting Acarichthys heckelli need at least a 100 gal or larger tank when mature, due to aggression within the species, that starts around 5 or 6".
I have 4 in a 150 gal at the moment, but they are young, only about 3", and so far, aggression is minimal. They share the tank with a dozen beani, which may be keeping intra-species aggression in check. I am also keeping temps in the low range or their tolerance, low 70s F.
When they were first added to the tank, I also added 6 Geophagus red head Tapajaros, a bit smaller than the Acarichthys.
5 of the 6 Geos were killed over night, don't know if it was the heckelli, or the beani.
I have 4 in a 150 gal at the moment, but they are young, only about 3", and so far, aggression is minimal. They share the tank with a dozen beani, which may be keeping intra-species aggression in check. I am also keeping temps in the low range or their tolerance, low 70s F.
When they were first added to the tank, I also added 6 Geophagus red head Tapajaros, a bit smaller than the Acarichthys.
5 of the 6 Geos were killed over night, don't know if it was the heckelli, or the beani.
I'll look for another geophagus, do you suggest anyone in particular?
Disregard the prices as this is from a renowned lfs in my area, but should give you some ideas and potential cost. Aquabid is a good research for ideas for what you want to put in your tank.
Geophagus, abalios WILD Colombia, , 2-2.5", $7.00 ,
Geophagus, brasiliensis, , 2", $5.00 , 6 for $27.00
Geophagus, brachybranchus "Surinamensis Guyana" WILD, , 1.5", $8.00 , 6 for $42.00
Geophagus, crassilabris "Tank Raised", , 1", $20.00 , SIX ONLY
Geophagus, sp. "Tapajos II", , 1.25", $8.00 , FEW
Geophagus, sp. "Red Head Tapajos" , , .75", $8.00 , 6 for $42.00
Geophagus, sp. "Rio Pindare", , 1.5", $7.00 , 2 ONLY
Geophagus, steindachneri "Red Hump" WILD Colombia, , 2", $7.00 ,
Geophagus, taeniopareius WILD Colombia RARE, , 1.5"+, $20.00
Geophagus, abalios WILD Colombia, , 2-2.5", $7.00 ,
Geophagus, brasiliensis, , 2", $5.00 , 6 for $27.00
Geophagus, brachybranchus "Surinamensis Guyana" WILD, , 1.5", $8.00 , 6 for $42.00
Geophagus, crassilabris "Tank Raised", , 1", $20.00 , SIX ONLY
Geophagus, sp. "Tapajos II", , 1.25", $8.00 , FEW
Geophagus, sp. "Red Head Tapajos" , , .75", $8.00 , 6 for $42.00
Geophagus, sp. "Rio Pindare", , 1.5", $7.00 , 2 ONLY
Geophagus, steindachneri "Red Hump" WILD Colombia, , 2", $7.00 ,
Geophagus, taeniopareius WILD Colombia RARE, , 1.5"+, $20.00
If you were only wanting ONE heckelli I don't see why it wouldn't work in that size tank. Sure they can be a bit mean to each other and are larger than your other fish but its not gonna pine away if kept singly like some more sensitive eartheaters. If you had good sized high bodied tetras like bleeding hearts they would be ok.