H. sauvagei and P. pulcher compatibility

[zenox7]

Has anyone kept H. sauvagei and P. pulcher together? I've got a 40-gallon planted tank with a Fluval 307, sand substrate, and plenty of driftwood. Water params are stable, 78°F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Just wanna know if they'll mess with each other.

[kokomo]

Yep, I've run 'em together in a 55-gallon. They're chill if you've got enough hiding spots. My tank's got java fern, anubias, and some crypts. Key is to keep the P. pulcher well-fed—they get sketchy when hungry. What's your feeding routine like?

[zenox7]

Yep, I've run 'em together in a 55-gallon. They're chill if you've got enough hiding spots. My tank's got java fern, anubias, and some crypts. Key is to keep the P. pulcher well-fed—they get sketchy when hungry. What's your feeding routine like?

Thanks for the tip. I feed frozen brine shrimp and pellets twice a day. Got tons of hiding spots with the driftwood and plants. You think that's enough?

[duskdrop]

Honestly, it's a gamble. My H. sauvagei bullied the P. pulcher after a month. Tank was similar to yours, but the sauvagei got territorial. Maybe try a divider first? How old are your fish?

[mixtune]

I've never kept them together. Are they aggressive?

[kokomo]

Honestly, it's a gamble. My H. sauvagei bullied the P. pulcher after a month. Tank was similar to yours, but the sauvagei got territorial. Maybe try a divider first? How old are your fish?

Age matters for sure. Younger fish adapt better. My sauvagei were juveniles when I added the pulcher. If yours are adults, might be a different story.

[zenox7]

Mine are both around 6 months old. Not fully grown yet. Sounds like I might need to monitor closely. Appreciate the advice, everyone.

[duskdrop]

Yeah, 6 months is a good age to try. Just keep an eye on 'em during feeding time. That's when mine got snippy.

[kokomo]

Also, what's your lighting schedule? Too much light can stress 'em out and make 'em more aggressive. I run mine for 6 hours a day with a dimmer.

[mixtune]

I see. Thanks for explaining.