New 80g Tank...

[spesh]

I'm just about to aquire a new 80gallon corner tank and am torn between discuss or oscars. my LFS have a fantastic Discus tank sent up (200gallon!) which I know i'd never 'mimic' but I do love the look of the fish, but then i also like oscars!

Could someone help me out a bit with info on ease of care, possible problems and costs etc? or even just make my mind up for me would probably be better lol

 

[Ludwig Venter]

I'd vote single specie Discus..... Once settled in they display beautifully....

 

[Davo86]

I'm just about to aquire a new 80gallon corner tank and am torn between discuss or oscars. my LFS have a fantastic Discus tank sent up (200gallon!) which I know i'd never 'mimic' but I do love the look of the fish, but then i also like oscars!

Could someone help me out a bit with info on ease of care, possible problems and costs etc? or even just make my mind up for me would probably be better lol

Well your options are either:

A) Discus, possibly with a few small dithers such as black neons, rummynose, corydoras and possibly a pair of dwarf cichlids and a small plec to finish

OR

B) A single Oscar with either a smaller cichlid and catfish or a group of dithers such as Silver Dollars and maybe a bichir or large plec

Discus will EASILY work out the most expensive and will also involve a lot more maintenaince
however Oscars are truly like water dogs so if you go this route you'll have a new pet with loads of character (and is def the option i would personally go for)

 

[vonnie06]

well if that was me and i had a 80gallon tank to play with it would be discus by far as you can have a lot more fish with them plus you get to set the tank out how you like it where as oscars tend to move things about,discus isnt that hard to look after once you get your self in a routine and your tank is settled then it isnt as hard but i will warn you that they can be expensive so make sure you tank is fully cycled before adding discus,but when people tell you they are expensive its true but your paying for quality and sometimes very pretty fish so if it was me id definatly go with discus what ever you decide id like to see phtots when you got everything up and running

 

[spesh]

Well your options are either:

A) Discus, possibly with a few small dithers such as black neons, rummynose, corydoras and possibly a pair of dwarf cichlids and a small plec to finish

OR

B) A single Oscar with either a smaller cichlid and catfish or a group of dithers such as Silver Dollars and maybe a bichir or large plec

Discus will EASILY work out the most expensive and will also involve a lot more maintenaince
however Oscars are truly like water dogs so if you go this route you'll have a new pet with loads of character (and is def the option i would personally go for)

That seems to be what i've found so far. Even a dig on youtube brings up loads of video's of oscars taking food from the hand and even being partial to being 'stroked'. I kinda like the idea of that. Problem is my LFS doesn't stock oscars so i've not been able to see any in the flesh so to speak.

They do, however, have that large tank with the discus in there and they are quite endearing. They certainly seem to recognise the staff (or the colour of uniform) and react to them... I like that too lol.


How large do oscars grow and whats the life expectancy?

 

[Davo86]

females can get upto 12 inches whilst males can get to around 16 inches.
I'd say they should live for around 10-12 years

surely the maidenhead aquatics in swansea should sell them

 

[spesh]

Nope, no oscars. I've not asked but i've not seen any in there in the last few months. The discuss tank is impressive though.

I'll ask next time i'm in, they have another branch not far away that may.

 

[Biulu]

Definitively discus because of the colours and the variety of fish you can keep with them. In a 80 gallon, it will only be the oscar and a plec.

 

[tHE SCRiBBLEs]

Discus by far.
1. You can have more of them (6 or 7 with some other fish)

2. Look very cool once grown

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

If you are willing to put the time and effort into them, then Discus. Oscars do not need as much attention.

 

[spesh]

time and effort is fine


I'm googling and finding alot of references to filtered (or RO) water being used for Discus, is this neccasary? My supply water is soft, slightly acidic and nitrate free.

 

[mike os]

swansea water will be fine.... you might like to use a meetal removing filter like a CBR or HMA, but imo are not essential kit, I have not bothered in fort he last couple of years & can see no real benefit if the tap water is OK

if you want some links to dedicated discus sites PM me

 

[ALW]

Discus with a small Pleco and maybe some Large Tetras!

Something like

Red-eyes - Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
Buenos Aires - Hemigrammus caudovittatus
Black Neon - Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Emperor - Nematobrycon palmeri
Diamond - Moenkhausia pittieri

 

[spesh]

Looks like discus!


I went to the other branch of maidenhead in swansea today to see some oscars and while I love them I dont think I'll get on with the 'bare' tank. My current tank is reasonably planted and I like that alot and would like to continue the theme into the new tank. Wouldn't happen with an oscar as far as I can see.

I'm collecting the tank next Monday so its all still a bit in the air until i've got it and proved it ok but fingers crossed!

 

[Sheilaf]

I have both an oscar and Discus. I'd have a hard time choosing between the 2. The oscar is like having another dog. Very distinct personality and very outgoing. Plus Oscars are very fast growing and look impressive when they are grown. I like my Discus but they have been a lot trickier than the oscar. Very picky eaters although mine aren't shy at all. The colors on the Discus are awesome! I'm sure that was no help. If I had to pick one over the other I honestly don't know what I'd do!