keeping Geophagus with discus in a sand bottom tank?

[vince]

What do you guys think of keeping Geophagus (eg. G. altifrons, etc)

with discus in a sand bottom tank?

I suppose the geophagus fish have similar water requirements, it will constantly "filter" the sand and prevent the sand from going bad.

Just that, i guess Geophagus is an aggressive feeder and will compete with discus in feeding time.

Has any one had any experience?


vince

[Merrilyn]

Vince I had 6 altifrons in with my discus in a sand bottom tank. While they were small, they were wonderful, and kept the bottom of the tank beautifully clean, despite the fact that they kept digging out the plants.

Within 6 months they had grown much too big and too boisterous for the discus, and I had to move them.

Some of the smaller eartheaters would be fine, like the 'orange heads' or 'red heads', anything that stays under 6 or 7 cm in length.

[vince]

Hey, Merrilyn:

How are you, mate?

Did your G. altifrons compete with your discus for food?

I suppose even for the smallest "south american eartheaters", G. rio Pindare . they can still attain to the size of 15cm.

I am not sure about the red/orange head you said. Have you got a picture?

Many thanx


vince

[Proteus]

I have Altis in my main discus display tank, with sand... no problems at all.

My pair of altis are both approx 20cm

My other 8 altis are a little more wild, they cant be kept with anything other than more altis

[vince]

anyone can kindly post a picture?

many thanx

[Merrilyn]

The altifrons have grown into magnificent fish Vince. Most of them are 20cm or over. They now live happily in the ten foot Jebo, all thirteen of them.

[Merrilyn]

and a closeup

[lovenotthrowdiscus]

that tank is huge!!!

have you got any closer pics man?
be keen to see some more