Altifrons Heckelii

[Mark Z.]

Hi all,
 
I am planning on setting up a new 55-gallon aquarium next month. I currently have a male altifrons heckelii in my 48 gallon and am planning on moving him to the 55 gallon. I have never had these fish before. Would it be possible to eventually get two more males? Would they fight? Would there be enough room? I do not want to get any females because I don't want babies!
 
I was also planning on moving my two angels to that tank, and adding some cories and some medium-sized tetras.
 
Thanks,
Mark

 

[sawickib]

I would try to get a 75 gallon tank instead of a 55 gallon, Im not sure if you have the tank already but i would say 75 gallon would be minimum for these geophagus. 
 
These geophagus actually prefer groups so i would try to get maybe 4-7 more if possible, all males if youd like but they do prefer groups.
 
Make sure you have a sand substrate for these guys instead of a gravel one as well.
 
However having this many would limit your stocking, but you would be able to get a school of the geos and a school of cories and fit nicely and peacefully. You might be able to get away with some tetras as well, but i would leave the angels out of the equation tbh. 
 
Heres some more info on these guys >>>> http/www.seriouslyfish.com/species/geophagus-altifrons/
 
Good choice on the heckelii btw, theyre pretty expensive though haha, ive got winemilleri, tapajos and jurupari.

 

[Mark Z.]

Thank you for the advice!
 
Unfortunately, I already have the 55 gallon and I don't have room for a 75 gallon. The main reason for the 55 gallon is to get him a slightly bigger tank and to have a sand bottom.
 
I paid $20 for him! The most by far I've ever spent on one fish. I saw juruparis at the store. They are really cool, but I knew they would need a bigger tank. I was actually thinking of getting a tapajo, but I found this guy. The guy at the store told me he would be fine by himself, which is why I bought him.
 
Mark

 

[sawickib]

O what a good deal for only 20$. Yea the juruparis get about 10-12" while the hecklii get to about 8", still though i recommend 75 gallon eventually due too it being 2ft wide instead of 1ft wide. The width is more important than the height with these guys as they stay on the bottom and dig through sand. So if possible i would try to swap out the tank or something along those lines in the future. 
 
Tapajos will stay the smallest and are still very beautiful so you cant go wrong with those guys either haha
 
If you have any other questions let me know!

 

[Mark Z.]

Thank you and Happy New Year!
 
Mark