A friend of mine just gave me their 40 gallon setup with everything. I already have a 30 gallon planted set up with various tropical fish and a 10 gallon planted setup as well. In the 40 gallon I am thinking of a couple of oscars, I've heard that these fish tear up aquarium plants so I might have to go plantless. Does anybody else have any suggestions? I am open to everything except saltwater setups. Let me know what you think. Also, with the 40 gallon setup my friend gave me a python (tool for replacing water in your tank) but I cannot figure out how to use it. Anybody know?
Oscars will tear up or move whatever is in their way. some will dig to the bottom and move the rocks around to suit them. but damn they are fun to keep especially so when they get big, they are just like big ol' puppies in their ability to recognize their feeder. Mine wouldnt come looking for food till it saw me walk to the tank, anyone else he would just ignore them most of the time. shoot high Pun, follow me to REEF WORLD! I have a 46G bow-front I just got used, and a new 125G main display tank coming in that will both be saltwater reef tanks. You got the huevos to try saltwater?
Great aquarium upgrade, Lil Pun. Much nicer size compared to what you had. Don't know a thing about this gizmo, however. I've always used a big plastic garbage can on wheels and a submersible pump. Pump the tank water into the garbage can, wheel it over to a window above one of my flower beds, and pump it out. Put the replacement water into it at a sink, treat it, roll it over to the tank, and pump it in. I haven't had a tank for a long time, but I've still got this stuff in my garage. I should really get another tank! Good luck. Maybe you should check Python's website. Cheers! http://www.pythonproducts.com/ PS - Don't get Oscars! They'll get too big!!!
I love Oscars and had them in college. The only thing is that they will outgrow a 40 gallon tank pretty quick. You can keep a couple in there for a while but after about a year they will need a 60+ I'd consider a convict, texas, red devil, blood parrot, green terror etc. which are very cool cichlids as well and dont grow to the massive size of oscars.
Have always wanted to keep Oscars but my days of having a massive tank like the one they need are over. While on the subject, I posted on here a few years ago about finidng my tank dry and my angel fish lying on the gravel. I thought it was dead....but a slight move of its gills had me running to get a bucket of water set up. Considering it was the middle of winter and I sorted everything in about 30 seconds, I managed to get the water just right and save my angel fish. That was in 2003....and right now the same angel fish is eyeing me off as I type this.
I've heard Oscars grow slowly. Oh well, maybe I need to look for something different for the new tank.....
they do it took about 3 years for my last one to grow from 3" to 12", and I had him in a 40g breeder (its wider and shorter than normal) You can keep one in what you have, but only for a few years.....then you sell him back to the fish store for store credit and get another one.
That wouldn't be any fun. If I get anything else, I am going to have my tank planted like the others. BTW, I am very nervous about saltwater tanks. Much more expensive and much more work. I've been told they are easy to take care of but my friend, who is much more an expert than I in aquariums, was unable to sustain his. I might try someday but for now the price and work are turn-offs.
My sister just gave me her 46 gallon bow front today, so I'm glad this thread was started. I know absolutely nothing except that our two-year-old thinks it's really cool.
It all depends on the circumstances. I had a 60 gallon tank and got the oscars when they were about 2 inches they grew to about 10 inches in a year and half.. I fed them constantly (these guys are eating machines), kept the water warm and most importantly I think the 60 gallon tank was the difference maker. The bigger the tank the quicker they grow. I love cichlids period. A lot of work to take care of though indeed. I couldn't imagine taking care of a salt water tank.
Thanks Deckard, that Python works great at vacuuming and replacing water. It cut my cleanup time in half.
Use it for turtles. Get some Western painted turtles. They're gorgeous and don't get as big as other freshwater turtles. I have a western painted and a red eared slider. They are a lot of fun. Drop 10-15 goldfish in their tank, then they'll go nuts and chase those things down until they munch them all. I've also fed them mice.
Turtles can carry salmonella and I often have small children in the house so I'll skip out on those. Thanks though.
actually, you are thinking of red-eared sliders that are known for carrying salmonella....thats why for a while there was a law about selling them. even now, you are supposed to be acquiring them for research\academic purposes....its a loophole that allows petstores to sell the little ones. re: saltwater granted, it is a little more work to keep one successfully, and alot more equipment....but its the equipment that makes it easier to care for than it used to be. So, yes, it is quite a bit more expensive, but the cost and work is more than offset by the sheer beauty of a reef tank. I guess it doesnt phase me, I've done saltwater fish only tanks before, this will be my first time attempting corals. If anyone is interested Ill post a thread once I get it up and running. Pun, from the sounds of it you need to just stick with a peaceful community-style tank if you want plants also. Go with Angels and rainbows, very colorful and not nasty in any way, throw in some emperor tetras for schooling activity. If you go with angels avoid all barbs, they look great schooling but have a nasty tendency to nip fins on long fin fish. btw edit: Piranhas are illegal to keep or sell in the state of Texas, they will flourish if released in the local habitats and could severely impact the ecosystem.
I thought all reptiles had the ability to carry salmonella? Yeah, I know they are extremely beautiful and beat the hell out of any of the freshwater, planted setups I have seen. I don't necessarily have to have plants but they do make the tank look that much better. I was trying to think of interesting setups without plants because of the work you have to do with CO2, lighting, fertilization, etc. The plants are harder to take care of than the fish. lol I'm really still up in the air about it at the moment. I believe they are illegal in Arkansas as well.
