Ghost Knife Fish anyone? Advice please!

[TheOriginalBanshee]

Have any of you got a GKF? How big is your tank? I really want a GKF but would love some advice from anyone who has kept one before. I've received lots of conflicting advice from our local aquatics stores about keeping this fish, which has made me wary. TIA

Ghost knifes are fantastic looking fish. They do get very, very large (up to 50cm) so you'll need a 6ft tank for an adult and they are tricky to keep. What have you got in your tank already? What are your water parameters?

Thanks Eau. I currently have 2 tanks (one a cherry shrimp tank- 14 litres, the other a 180 litre community tank with rainbowfish, guppies,corys, ottos, etc) but GKF couldn't go in either. It will have to be an entirely new set up. We use RO water for the existing tanks. How many litres do you think the new tank should be? And I'm guessing GKF shouldn't have tank mates? My local store told me it would be fine with 1 rainbow shark and also rainbow fish in a community tank!!! Glad I was sceptical and didn't buy the gorgeous creature despite being very tempted.

General opinion varies between 50 gallons (225 litres) and 100 gallons (454 litres), I would go bigger rather than smaller.

If you're limited on space then there are loads of interesting oddballs that stay small. Hatchet fish are pretty cool looking, as are African butterfly fish if your water is right for them.

Thanks Eau. What about suitable tank mates or is that a no no?

For the ghost knife? From what I've heard, they are pretty peaceful towards other fish but aggressive to their own kind. I have heard of them being kept with clown loaches before but as clowns also get massive and need to be in a shoal you would be looking at an even bigger tank. A big plec or syno would probably work OK.

Anything small enough to be eaten should be avoided as well as anything aggressive.

Great suggestions Eau. I would love a big plec. Now off to ebay to check out tanks! Got my last one as an absolute bargain on there- juwel rio 180 for £30! Including filter and lights.