getting my tank right

[fivesix]

Ok, so I am brand new at cichlids and already making uber mistakes...
I rescued an oscar, then I figured he was lonely...
so I took in another oscar.
But he was housed with 2 JDs and a red zebra all crammed, (I kid you not) ... in a 15 gallon tank! So I didn't want to leave the others behind, especially knowing that they all get along, so I took the whole lot. Well fortunately the oscars are getting along swimmingly, but one of the dempseys picks on the other one ( guess there wasn't enough room to fight in the 15 gal!)
So now I'm thinking I'd better rehome the one JD,(the aggressor) and after reserching the better tankmates for Oscar, possibly the zebra and the other dempsey eventually(once he feels better), and adopt a blue acara and some pictus.
sound better?
thanks for your help guys...

[ChiaJesus]

How big of a tank do you have for the oscars?

Just from my experiences I would re-home the wimpy JD. My oscar is pretty laid back but when he gets mad he's a real jerk - he'd take out my wimpy JD in a heartbeat if he had to. Your tougher JD will be able to fend for himself.

Blue acaras are a bad idea unless you can find adults. Blue acaras grow VERY, VERY slowly compared to oscars - which grow unbelievably fast. They could become a nice snack. I would also say that blue acaras are too mellow to ever be happy in a tank with oscars.

[Coler]

Welcome to AC !

Can't really advise on tank mates without info on the current tank size and a last of all tank mates. Post 'em up and we'll take it from there.

[fivesix]

Thanks guys, or is it "tanks"? That's all that's in there. Two oscars, adolescent not full grown yet, (about 6"-8") two JDs, the hearty one and the not so much, (about 5"-6") and one red zebra. I didn't realize the zebra was African when I picked him up, and I've read you shouldn't mix African and South Americans. They are in a 125 right now, but looks like I may be getting a 180 within a couple of months.

I also read that full grown Dempseys are about the same size as, but more aggressive than full grown oscars which could cause a challenge. I would really like to get some catfish in because these cichlids are such sloppy eaters!!

[ChiaJesus]

I think that your 125 is going to be overstocked with two oscars in it. People typically recommend a 75 for a single oscar as the lone fish in the tank. You're going to want to move one or both to the 180 if you end up getting it.

In your 125 you could do a single oscar, the wimpy JD, and a severum. That would look pretty nice. In the 180 you could do your other oscar, the more aggressive JD, the red zebra, and some dither/target fish like red hook silver dollars (six or so) or a few male or female (not both) convicts to help spread out any aggression.

In my experience I've learned that it's pretty hard to come up with a cookie cutter solution for SA cichlids. For example, if you re-home the wimpy JD he might become territorial and aggressive. In any case you'll have to keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly. Hope this helps - have fun stocking your tanks! :)

[livebearerfreak]

the 125 should only allowed 2 oscars and a jd.