NOOB MISTAKE!

Agreed. I work in the pet industry and we try to do our best. When people say they have a big enough tank when we tell them how big the oscars or pacus get, we'll get them the fish no problem. Not going to stand there and give them the eye and ask if they really do have a big enough tank. XD
I do know some stores are really bad about telling customers and will sell anything to make a buck, but it is partly the customers fault for not doing outside research first.
 
Why would he not need to take the Pacus back also?

There are some really nice Amazonian cichlids you could buy and put in a 35 gallon. Just think of the adult size when stocking and not the current size.

Apistos
Rams

or you could go with small schooling type fish like tetras,cories,etc



These links might help you


[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]South American Whitewater River
South American Clearwater Stream
South American Blackwater Creek
South American Blackwater Stream
Central American Rocky Lake
Central American River
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as I stated... pacus need 90 gallons each... and since he doesnt have a 180g tank.. i assumed that was stated pretty clearly

he needs to take all of them back ASAP
 
...how big of a tank will i need to last for 2 years?

Like he said...
...so to keep all of these fish you are gonna need about a 750 gallon tank
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...what other potential problems could i encouter with these fish combo?

The first encounter will be with all of them dying in about a week. Because of the ammonia lvl.
I suppose this could be avoided if you were to do a 40% water change every 8 hrs, 24/7.
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Hopefully you didn't just ignore the lfs person, if they did tell you thats not a good idea.
I've been to enough pet stores to believe they didn't bother saying or asking anything. Although I have had my mom n pop store and petsmart inquire about what I had for a tank. Thats not to say that they would have said something, if I told them I had a 30g and wanted 2 oscars.

I'm glad you made it here!
(just wanted to make sure you at least saw that. ;) )

There are alot of people here with experience in alot of different areas, from fish to turtles. And are willing to share what they know from experience.

If you would like a nice "amazonian" experience.
- Do like everyone has suggested, and take All of those fish back.
Maybe just ask for credit. That at least lets them know you'll return and spend the money some how.

- Get an Amazon Sword plant.(wysteria/java moss and fern are good low light plants to start with)

- A cool peice of wood.
- A rock or two.
- Follow the cycle thread.
- Have fun.
 
Hi Earthwing; I see this is your first post. First I would like to welcome you to aquaria central! As you can tell this is a really good place to come to for help, and advise. I too am sorry that you were maybe steered wrong by your LSF. Research is the key.
 
You'd probably be fine with a 200G tank for a couple of years but I had to laugh when you said you only had a 35G. I agree with everyone else here, save yourself alot of headaches and do the fish a big favor by returning them to the store or selling them. You're setting that tank up for an 'Epic Fail' as it is.
Get a pair of Angelfish, a small school of Tetras and some Corys instead. There's your Amazonian setup. Welcome to the forums and good luck. :)
 
TAKE THE AROWANA, AND OSCARS BACK NOW!!!

that arowana is going to need a 500 gallon tank before you know it...
both of the oscars need a 90 gallon MINUMUM EACH
The pacus are gonna need 90 gallons each as well

so to keep all of these fish you are gonna need about a 750 gallon tank


take them back

Dude, just tell him to get a 750g tank. That is the best solution all around.
 
Welcome to the forums!

You came to the right place to get good fish advice. I don't know if you will post again or even come back, but please listen to the other guys. The store you bought the fish from completely suckered you. Take the fish back to them and ask the people here about what to buy.

I would also stay away from the store you bought your fish from, since I would say that they cannot be trusted.

Good luck.
 
I was day dreaming bout a month ago and started tellin my sis how I want to own a Fish Store was saying I would have endcaps like Walmart but instead of stock to buy I would have my own personal fish there to show people how big these guys could really get. I also said I wouldnt sell Red Tail Catfish, Paroon Sharks, Clown Knives, Pacu's or even common Pleco's like gibby's.

People do need to research before they buy got to resist that impulse purchase cuz it could get you into trouble. I would sugest taking them back maybe get some tetra's a Bolivian Ram or two with maybe an Oto and there you go but after you properly cycle the aquarium.
 
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Dude, just tell him to get a 750g tank. That is the best solution all around.

yeah.. since everyone that is new to the hobby has the space and experience to set up a 750g tank.. not to mention money.. lol
 
yeah.. since everyone that is new to the hobby has the space and experience to set up a 750g tank.. not to mention money.. lol

I think he was remarking that by your apparent tank requirement calculations a school of 6 tiger barbs would require no less than 120g. 20gx6.
 
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