New To Paraguay Eartheaters.

Ok, so I bought a pair of Paraguay eartheaters on a whim. First thing I learned is that I need another female.
They are camping in my 20 long quarantine tank. I had an unused 55 gallon I planned to make their home ( always keep an extra filter cycled on my african peacock tank) but did the math and think a 40 Breeder would suit them better as it has more floor space. Going to the big box store today.
Any thoughts on this? Planning to keep it species only as most fish are tropical and don’t want to participate in 4 months of 65 degree water.
Very little info out there on this eartheater.

 

Anyone? Not an overly common fish, but was hoping someone had experience.
Having to drive 52 miles to the nearest lfs which happens to be petco to buy the 40 Breeder. was hoping someone would stop me if this was a bad decision.

 

There are lots of Paraguay eartheaters out there but I'm assuming you are talking about the gymnogeophagus balzani. Gymnogeophagus are not a tropical species. They do well in mid 70s or so but require a wintering period of low 70s to high 60s a few months of the year. BalzanI are one of the few species that do not need the extent cool waters but it is still advisable to give them a wintering period.

These are a shoaling species so the more the better. I personally think the 55 would be better than the 40 as it will allow you to increase the size to 4 or 5 which will reduce the chances of aggression.

 

Yes, the whole water temp thing is why I’m keeping it species only. Thank you for your reply I was leaving to go into town in about 20 min. ( part of my shopping included the new digs for my new fish). I will start them out in the 55gal and get him 2 new females as per your advise.
Do you have any feeding experience? Btw yes, you nailed the species correctly. I’m offering them apI sinking cichlid pellets in the am and frozen shrimp, mealworms, or bloodworms in the evening. ( they are small and plan to feed 2x daily for a couple more months). Will they enjoy peeled peas or blanched cucumber?
How aggressive are they. Green terror aggressive? Or angelfish aggressive? My male is about 3 inches and my female barely 2 inches?
Thank you for your advise

 

Not an aggressive species. I'd put them on par with other geos like bandits and tapajos. Your feeding choice is fine abd they will appreciate veggies. I'm a fan of nls thera a pellets but a good variety is key.

I'd also day you could try doing an additional male plus two females. I think that's a good number for a 55