Newbie Oscars/New Tank/ Stocking/ etc questions.

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Hello,

About a year ago I was given a 60 gal acrylic aquarium with 2 Tiger Oscars, and one common pleco. The two Oscars are 6" and 7" long and the pleco is about 5". When I got this tank I was pretty ignorant as far as fish went. Consequently my fish weren't very well cared for. They were always regularly fed, had good filtration, water changes ,etc. However the quality of food, frequency of water changes, water testing, etc. were areas I was lacking in I've found. Stumbling upon this forum a week or so ago has of shown me the error of my ways.

I'm currently looking for a biger tank to move the Oscars into but I have a few questions.

1) The person who had this tank before me had these fish in it for around a year I believe. I've had it for around a year. 2 years in my Oscars should be huge from what I've learned here but in the time I've had them at least they don't seem to have really grown at all. Are they permanently stunted? Even if they never get an inch bigger I still want to get a bigger tank for them but how big of a tank to look for? I've been looking in the 125 to 150 range so far.

2) I'd like to add another fish or two when I get my new tank set up. What would be good tankmates for the Oscars? They never fight amongst themselves so they're pretty mellow from what I've seen.

3) I'd wanted to stay with acylic because honestly, the thought of a blowout scares me to death. The new tank will be going in my office at home... However, I've been looking at used tanks in the 125/150 size range and every one I've found has been glass. Is this not something to worry about and what should I look for when looking for a new used tank?

Once I get some answers to these questions and a new tank I'll have a bunch more questions but this should do it for now I guess. Thanks in advance for any responses. I'm really enjoying this forum and have learned so much here already.
 
125-150g is good. stick the pleco in there too. giant danios make good tankmates for the oscars. glass is just fine, even used. when you get the tank, set it up temporarily somewhere level - basement, garage, even outside. fill it with water and leave it for a couple of days to make sure there are no leaks. then you'll be fine. some people will reseal used tanks no matter what. that may be an option for you.
 
I am not sure if a new tank right now is the best move.

My guess is that your fish are suffering from OTS (old tank syndrome). I would do a 10% water change twice a week for a bit. I am not sure how long, a test kit will come in handy, but do not delay in starting this. Also do not change too much, too fast. My guess is that your water is toxic and your fish are used to it.

I would not add any fish. I think the Oscars will be okay.

Once you get your fish used to non-toxic water, a larger tank would be great.

I like glass because it does not scratch as easy. I would get a tank that was more wide than tall. Something that has a large "foot print".
 
nothing in this screams ots me to me at all.

and im sure after coming here hes learned more frequent water changes are needed anyways.....


anyways. i wouldnt worry about glass tanks. as long as you check the seals or re-do them yourself you will be fine. acrylic is much more expensive and it scratches easily.
 
The 125/150 will be great for them. Can you give us some readings on your tank and yout tap water? Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH.

How often and what size have been your water changes? What kind of filtration?
 
rbishop said:
The 125/150 will be great for them. Can you give us some readings on your tank and yout tap water? Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH.

How often and what size have been your water changes? What kind of filtration?
Click to expand...

I don't have any water readings yet. I'll be going into Petsmart this weekend to get the API master kit but it's a ways away and I haven't had a chance yet. I'll post some readings as soon as I get the kit. I suppose I should also mention that I'm on well water and not city water so chlorine and chemicals like that aren't a factor.

As far as filtration I have a Whisper HOB filter that was rated for 60 gal iirc (don't have the box anymore). Probably not good enough now that I know the kind of waste producers both the Oscars and the Pleco are.

Water changes were probably about once a month in the 50% range.
 
i think glass is better. yes it might be a little heavy but the scratches i see in most used tanks are horrible. you might want to step up the once a month 50% to weekly. the fish would really like it. as for tank size i always say the bigger the better. if you can find something bigger then 150 and afford it i would go for it.
 
Post those readings on your tank and tap when you get the test kit. Definitely bring the water changes to a weekly schedule.

I would go for acrylic or glass. If glass inspect the seals well, and hopefully you will be able to see it holding water before you buy it. If not, try to get it as part of the deal where you test it and if it leaks, the price is reduced or the deal is off.
 
figure out what filtration you think the tank would be okay with, and then add to it by 50-100%. For example, on the tank you have now (60g) you have a filter for a 60g tank. common sense would say that a 60g filter would be fine, but something rated for 90g or 120g would be much better, even if you have multiple filters. preferred actually. if something goes wrong with one of them, it's good to have built-in backup. there are lots of examples here where the power goes out when someone isn't home, and the filter doesn't reprime itself correctly. . . . dead/dying fish await you after work.

oh, and before you go to petsmart - check their website and print out the prices of the items you will be buying. the online prices can be up to 40-50% cheaper than in-store, and they will price match for you. usually they have to get a manager to key it into the computer, but they will do it. my recent purchases have been a penguin 350 for $29, and a visitherm stealth heater (34.99 in-store) for $19.99 with online price printout. the API master test kit is something like $30+ instore, and $15 online.
 
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