Should I buy Oscars?

[lilcam]

Wow! I didnt know such a forum existed, but I'm glad I've found this place. Anyways, my friend inspired me to setup an aquariam and it's been 10 years since I've had fishes. I used to reaise guppies, goldfishes and angel fishes back in the day.

I have a 20 gallon tank that's been setup since Thursday, and a pH test shows it at roughly 8.0. I have a couple of questions.

1 - Water seems a little murky, but I assume it's because it has to be at 82 degrees and I have the thermostat running (automatically). I can see everything clear from the front, but viewing things from the side yields a little distortion. This is normal yes?

2 - The tank is a 20 gallon tank (high). How many oscars can I fit in there? My buddy has a 29 wide and he has about two oscars and he has some other types of chicilds. I would like to stay away from community fishes, but i'm starting to realize my tank may be too small for oscars.

3 - Assuming I go ahead and buy them tomorrow, what steps should I take to release them into my tank? Let them float for 15 minutes?

 

[fishdude07]

uhh, sorry to say this but i dont think you should get any oscars. the bare minimum for one oscar is 55 gallons. 29 with 2 oscars is pushing it extremely, im suprised your friends oscars dont kill each other and/or the other cichlids. your tank is definately too small for oscars. what about getting smaller cichlids like convicts? you could get a pair of convicts and theyd be fine and have babies. think about cichlids that stay relatively small, not oscars that can grow 12" easily.

 

[Revolt]

I replied to your topic here:

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19267

I to am surprized the two oscars haven't killed each other yet.

 

[lilcam]

i think he has one oscar. i apologize.
i'll look into convicts. i went to the pet store and there were soooooo many fishes to choose from.

 

[conaquavict]

If it's cichlids that you want to get back into the
hobby with, then convicts are probably your best
bet, as fishdude07 has suggested.
They are hardy, entertaining and they breed for fun.
Good luck with the new fish.

 

[lilcam]

So sorry - he never had oscars. he wants oscars but he knows his tank is too small. He has a couple of cichlids and some other fishes. Beautiful fishes. Anyways, my tank is cycling at the moment, but i have my new betta to keep me company in his 2.5 gallon tank.

 

[ecotank]

Originally posted by lilcam
Assuming I go ahead and buy them tomorrow, what steps should I take to release them into my tank? Let them float for 15 minutes?

Please don't get fish until your tank is fully cycled. That can take a few weeks or a month, patience is the key to being a good fish owner in the beggining.

Check out the many threads and articles on fishless cycling, get a test kit and some pure ammonia.

You will enjoy this much more if you start off right and have no deaths due to poor water conditions. I know it is so hard to wait, but you fish will live longer and love you more for it in the long run.

 

[Cichlidian]

I think convicts are hardy enough to stay in an uncycled tank. I cycle my tanks with a single male convict & he's perfectly alrite.

 

[lilcam]

I'm stopping by the petstore today to see if they have Bio-Spira. I'll also check to see if they have a convict, because I would like to try a fish cycle.

 

[wayne]

The fish won't appreciate it though..... 'my gills are burning...'
If they don't have any bio spira , buy some java fern instead. It's a near indestructible , cichlid proof plant that will come with an invisible layer of bacteria on it that wil speed up your cycle.
See what cichlids they have rather than cons. If you only want to have one or two fish in their cons are great, but be aware there are other cichlids that are equally hardy and a lot less aggressive.

 

[Purple]

If you insist on cycling with fish - please only get one fish - something small. That way the fish will not produce a lot of waste, and so will fare better with lower ammonia levels etc.

Your LFS may be able to help you with the choice - but I have to say that if you asked around my way they would probably not sell you anything unless you understand cycling well enough to deal with what will happen to your tank water.

 

[lilcam]

What small fish would you suggest? My LFS is clueless since they have these HS kids who just work there PT. I had asked something during my first visit and he kept saying he didnt know.

 

[Purple]

I've heard that a fish called a Danio is good for this sort of thing (though I wouldn't know what one looked like if you slapped me with it) - but you better take a look or that LFS of yours will sell you something weird.....

http://www.myfishtank.net/freshwaterprofiles.php?profile=58

 

[Cichlidian]

I think livebearers, bettas or gouramis are hardy enough to cycle a tank