Female Bettas, Or An Oscar?

[GoldfishAttentionSpan]

I am getting a new tank, and its either 55 gallons or 95 gallons US. As much as I have always wanted an oscar, I also think it would be interesting to stock with a bunch of female bettas. Of course I also want to have at least one pleco, though I haven't decided what species yet. I am researching to see if I could have a gibby if the tank is 95 gallons, though of course I wouldn't have an oscar and a gibby! It would be a poo tank! Would an oscar beat up smaller plecs like clown plecos or BNs? Another thing I thought about is that an oscar probably has a lot longer lifespan. As far as I know, an oscar can live over 10 years, but I don't think female bettas would live much longer than a few years or so. I can't decide which would be easier to move, either. (I am a high school senior who will hopefully be moving out within the next few years or so.) An oscar is bigger, of course, but a bunch of bettas would be more difficult to catch than one oscar.

Thoughts on the fish I have mentioned?

 

[Meds081603]

I'd get an oscar. No fish I've kept have personalities like Oscars. But if you go with an oscar, I would not put ANY tankmates with him in a 55gallon. If you get the 95 then you could possibly have some tankmates.

 

[Stacey13]

I voted oscar. I have an oscar and a pleco in a 90 gallon, they get along fine, and for now they both fit. But I do think that when they both grow up, they will need a 6 foot tank at least......... that being said, they've been in there a year, and should be fine another year or two anyway.

 

[Tobigara]

i'd go with an oscar. they are beautiful and have incredible intelligence and personality. i've even read that it's possible to train them to roll over for food. how cool is that if it's true 8)

 

[england]

oscars are so great....get a weeee little 1inch oscar and watch it grow...atleast an 1inch a month...
frequent water changes and great filteration is a must...top notch food

 

[aitchvee]

I love my betta sorority. I've never known fish with more character than bettas. They have a fascinating pecking order, but for some reason today the boss has become very cuddly with the third in command under an almond leaf!

 

[ChaseTheBetta]

One Male Betta.

I think a female sorority would be cool.

 

[GoldfishAttentionSpan]

One Male Betta.

Ya know, I would gain cool points for originality.

 

[ChaseTheBetta]

One Male Betta.

Ya know, I would gain cool points for originality.

You know the betta would love it. I'm getting a male betta for my 5 gallon, he's going to love it. I'm still not sure about getting some ADFs, too.

My bro is jealous of your tank.

 

[divisible by zero]

voted other.
not an oscar fan, a friend had one and it's just too rowdy of a fish for me. I prefer a heavily stocked community or heavily planted with a few bigger fish.

 

[darkwolf29a]

Well, were it me...I'd get an Oscar and call it a day. But, then...I have one, and I love my big O.

 

[*Bethie*]

Me, being the betta lover that I am, votes for the bettas. You can get them in so many colors and tail types, they're sure to make your tank colorful.

*Bethie*

 

[Stacey13]

I guess you should think about what you want out of your tank.............. If you choose quantity, colour, and some interesting behavior to watch, go for the bettas. On the other hand, if you want a fish that grows big, with lots of personality, and can be trained to eat out of your hand, choose the oscar.
I have both bettas and an oscar, the oscar is definately more interactive.
I think you SHOULD get the gibby with the oscar. My oscar lives with a pleco and they get along great, also, oscars won't live with alot of different types of fish, but plecos tend to be a good choice. I don't think I'd try it with a smaller pleco though, for oscar tankmates, you want a fish that gets big enough to defend itself.
And yes it WILL be a poo factory in there!........... but in some ways my big tank is easier to clean than the little tanks, those big fish have big poops, which makes it much easier to spot clean! (especially if you use sand, the poop stays on top.) I use a python to drain the tank during water changes, and a 5 gallon bucket with a small gravel vac at the same time to pick up the poop. While the water is draining, I also have time to clean the glass, scrub the decorations, maintain the filters, etc.
And when you do get a bigger tank....... DEFINATELY get a python, your back will thank you!

 

[divisible by zero]

oh question on the python i've been meaning to ask. I understand you use the sink to start the siphon but do you have to keep the water running to keep it going? right now i use 5g buckets to drain and fill from the hose, but i don't mind the buckets it's the most exercise i get.

 

[Stacey13]

I turn the tap off after suction has started, the water flow does slow down, but I like it slower, it gives me time to do everything else in the tank. I also use the centre brace to prop up the python so I don't have to hold it, that's multi-tasking! B)