Question about Geophagus

[jag14]

Hello all,

I have a 55 gallon setup, which will housing 4 blue acaras, 3-6 cory cats, possible a Raphael cat and a bushy nose pleco. I have a black sand substrate. I want to add a geophagus to this group.

What I need to know is which kind won't be too big. I like surinamess ( can't spell) , or a Juripari. I think both of those would get too big. What type would you suggest?

 

[tlindsey]

Tbh would suggest not adding any Geo's to your aquarium not enough space.

 

[duanes]

I agree with Tom, a 55 with what you already have in it, is too small to add any Geo's.

 

[jag14]

I want something that will dig in the sand, help keep it clean. I don't have the acaras yet, all I currently have are 3 corys, a few danios and the pleco.

 

[jag14]

I've always liked the way geos look, have had juriparis in the past. I know they would like the sand instead of gravel.

 

[tlindsey]

I want something that will dig in the sand, help keep it clean. I don't have the acaras yet, all I currently have are 3 corys, a few danios and the pleco.

Red humps not Redhead Tapajos .

 

[tlindsey]

Red humps not Redhead Tapajos .

There are Geophagine species that are even smaller but some come from cooer waters you may want to do research on them.
duanes

 

[jag14]

I think I may have red humps before. At one time, I was kind of collecting geos.

 

[duanes]

I agree with Tom again, there are the Geophgines of Uruguay (the Gymnogeophagus) that stay small enough for a 55, but are cool period requirement species, and would be good with other Uruguayan fish such as Corydorus erhardti, and Buenos Aires tetras, but would become sickly if keep with tropical fish a heated tank year round. They do well as a harem, with 1 male to 3 of more females.
The ones below are both males
Gymnogeophagus Rio Yerbalito

Gymno sp Paso Pache

But the idea that "any" geo will keep a tank clean by digging is a bit far fetched, they will dig out uneaten food, but other than that, they add as much bio-load as any other fish

 

[jag14]

I think I just like the look of a geo. My tank isn't heated but still stays around 75 degrees. The gymnogeophagus looks nice, but I would have to choose between keeping those or the acaras. The gymnogeos have some really nice coloring.