Gymnogeophagus Balzanii in a 20g?

[BIG FISH]

I have only a couple snails, a pair of threadfin rainbows, and a couple panda garra rufas in my lightly planted 20g.
I want to get a pair of gymnogeophagus balzanii to house in it along with the current stock...

Any reasons why this wouldn't work?

For filtration - rena filstar xp3 - substrate - flourite fine black sand -2" bed - light sparse plantings of vals.
Some maylaysian driftwood.

Thanks in advance for the advice...

[morpheus]

i think a 20gal is too small personally. i think for a pair its more so recommended to go larger in the tank size...maybe 30gal or larger. they would probably get along fine with the tankmates, but still uproot the plants since they are earth eaters.

[BIG FISH]

I have seen it done, and have done it in a 29g. Thats was a trio. they where housed and bred successfully in that tank. I am more asking if the water quality may become an issue as far as HLLE - HITH ...ect. due to water volume.

[troy tucker]

Those are cool fish BIG. The water here is always a problem with SA/CA fish. Not sure if 20g would work but if anyone can, you can. Any way you can always work something out with me for them.

[morpheus]

the plants should keep the nitrates down. i am not as familiar with the filstar canisters, but should probably do the trick for the bioload. anything is possible though, in regards to smaller tank volume being more volatile. if your water changes are on schedule and you test enough, should be ok water quality wise. only way to know is to try

i have never had these types personally, so breeding could cause issues for your other tankmates.

[BIG FISH]

im going to go ahead and give it a try. if anyone has any more reasons they think its a bad idea, please dont hesitiate to post it here. i feel you can never have enough info. thanks

[troy tucker]

Where did you find them?

[BIG FISH]

Well, Fish Gallery had a tank full, but they are sold out, so the wait continues until they surface again. I'm going to see if they may be coming in on their next freshwater order. If anyone sees any locally or has a pair they don't mind selling, let me know via pm:)

[jughead]

The males can get 5".a 20 will be too small for 2 adults.my best luck with these has been in groups of 6-12.if you only have a few conspecific aggression will be an issue when they mature.delayed mouth brooder,spawns on substrate then mouthbrood the fry after they hatch.never heard of them spawning in a tank smaller than 70.they like space and clean water.

[BIG FISH]

The males can get 5".a 20 will be too small for 2 adults.my best luck with these has been in groups of 6-12.if you only have a few conspecific aggression will be an issue when they mature.delayed mouth brooder,spawns on substrate then mouthbrood the fry after they hatch.never heard of them spawning in a tank smaller than 70.they like space and clean water.

I suppose I could alweays upgrade in the future, Jughead, you wouldn't happen to know where to get some would you?

[ptran]

I have only a couple snails, a pair of threadfin rainbows, and a couple panda garra rufas in my lightly planted 20g.
I want to get a pair of gymnogeophagus balzanii to house in it along with the current stock...

Any reasons why this wouldn't work?

For filtration - rena filstar xp3 - substrate - flourite fine black sand -2" bed - light sparse plantings of vals.
Some maylaysian driftwood.

Thanks in advance for the advice...

Honestly I think 20 gallon is too small for a pair. The male will kill the female in that tight space. They mature at 5-8" long. For sure you will need an upgrade to a bigger tank size for them later on.

[morpheus]

agreed. they may feel cramped as they push the standard 6+" size range. i wasnt sure of aggression level having never owned them, just usually saw 30+ gallons was more the norm for a pair/trio