tank dividers

Question
Sadly I only have room for my one 55 gallon tank. Even sadder my very favorite types of fish can't be kept together. I want a black ghost knife in the worst way but I know it won't do well with my hatchets, angels, and neons. What are your feelings in dividing large tanks with those divider walls? It seems like they are a great answer to those like me who want different types of fish. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Christine,
Black ghost knifefish are such mysterious and unique critters aren't they! Dividing your tank is a reasonable idea.. but the fact is- it doesn't leave much room for either fish and water flow is usually restricted. Sometimes you get "oil slicks" on the surface where that side doesn't have the filter running on.

Black ghost knifefish -can- live with Angelfish. And you could try keeping a Black ghost knifefish with other larger community fish such as larger barbs, characins, catfish, and many larger cichlids and other fish that are too large to be swallowed such as gouramis...Don't overstock though, be careful about that. Avoid neons and other small fish. Even though people have kept this fish with some tankmates. Because knifefish are predatory, there is always the risk that you may lose a fish or two.

Dividing the tank is Ok. But it just won't leave much room for a knifefish or the other fish for that matter. Is there anyway you could put your hatchets, angels, and neons into a smaller tank such as a 29-gallon? That way, you could devote the 55-gallon to a Black ghost. Just a thought.

I know this probably wasn't the answer you were hoping for.
Best wishes and happy fishkeeping!
Karen~