75 GALLON GEOPHAGUS BREEDING GROUP
This is my 75 gallon Geophagus Altifrons aquarium. It's been a fun experience on so many levels for me. I have never had Geos and have totally fallen in love with them. I have never had anubias attached to the driftwood either. I absolutely love the look of the dark green lush plants against the black background. The whole setup is a new one for me.
When I was considering this type of tank I developed a picture in my head of how I imagined it would look when complete. Sometimes we don't quite make it a reality but this time it's exactly how I had envisioned it in my head. That was a success in it's own right!!
I was told once, quite a while ago, that my tanks have a signature look. I'm not sure if that is good or bad but, I certainly don't want all my tanks looking the same.
My four show tanks are all different now. Making each one unique and special. The 150 home to my Mbuna, 75 home to Humphrey my flowerhorn the 55 home to my angels community and this 75.
On the weekend we went to my favourite fish store. Last time we were there I told Mike I would bring him some pails. I brought him 20 5 gallon pails and 20 3 gallon pails all complete with lids. He really appreciated them!
I got looking around as always, and saw the Geo tank that had the same Geos I have. I noticed they were labelled Altifrons. I was sure mine were Surenemsis. As it turns out mine are Altifrons. Looking at them I was dying to grab a couple more. Talking to the owner we came up with a deal. I got two Geos for the pails I brought him. How cool is that?? Of course I picked out the biggest males in the group.
I have found my Geos eat a lot. I have been feeding them 3 times a day. In the morning they get pellets that they can sift for and I give the Rainbows and Rasboras floating crisps. Mind you, the geos will come up for the Crisps as well. Then supper time I give them frozen or live foods. They're favourite are blood worms or live red wigglers that I have in my worm bin in the basement. For some reason they aren't too interested in shrimp. Then at bedtime they get more pellets that they can sift for through the night if they want a snack. I did try them on my gel food but they didn't recognize it so basically ignored it. The Rainbows and Rasboras liked it though and the cleaning crew love the gel food.
As you can see these guys are getting pretty big. The two big males I added make this a beautiful breeding group of 8 Geos. I'm so excited for them to start breeding for me. I don't think they will breed until I move them into the bigger tank. They are going to look amazing in my 150. I will be adding something more when I move them. They will need a couple breeding places or caves so I can let my creative juices flow.
Moving them will only take place after Christmas but it's something I am really looking forward to. I know they will love the space they will gain.
The Geophagus Altifrons are the largest of the Geophagus genus. They will reach 10-12". That's huge!! They are stunning now I can't imagine them being any more beautiful. Their scales are the most magnificent colours, shimmering when they move. The gorgeous long rays flow like ribbons behind them and they all like the same iridescent blue lip gloss.
As you can see I am in love with these guys! It's so cool watching them sift. They are pretty peaceful although on occasion you can see some spats. I'm sure there will be more when they start breeding. That will come in time once the move is complete and they are settled in there new home. The best part of moving them to the bigger tank is that they are such clean fish, there tank is easily maintained. With their sifting plus the cleaning crew half my work is done for me!!