Up Sizing Tank

[Stringy30]

Hi All,
 
Looking at upgrading my 3 foot tank to a 6 foot tank for keeping Oscars. Now where do I start with a tank this big........................
 
What sort of filter would I need and do I need more then one?  What would you recommend in the way of brand?
 
What sort of heater would I need and do I need more then one?  What would you recommend in the way of brand?
 
What sort of gravel would I need for Oscars?
 
And just any general information you can give me in regards to getting a big 6 footer.
 
I am not sure how many gallons it is yet as I have not yet purchased it but it looks pretty standard.
 
Kind Regards,
Stringy30

 

[fluttermoth]

You'll want to go with a large external canister filter, or two, depending on their capacity. Something like an FX5 (or even the new FX6, if you can afford it!). I can't really advise on brands, as I'm in the UK.
 
Heaters; you'll definitely want two, and make sure you get ones with fitted guards (oscars can bite through glass heaters if they're in enough of a strop!). External heaters (that fit on to your external filter hoses) would be good if you can get them.
 
Gravel; anything smooth will do; just make sure it's not small enough to get stuck in their mouths; especially when they're young, and not so big that it traps food and poop.
 
Big tanks are really no different to small ones; you'll probably want to sort out a hose for your water changes though!

 

[Sophie]

I've got a Fluval FX6 ready for my Oscar tank. Raising them to start with in a 200L when I get them at 3-4 inches (a pair) and then upgrading to an 805L custom made by ND Aquatics.
Also will be heating with 2, 300W heaters (I don't tend to worry about the brand too much with heaters). Good in case one breaks and also for heating that much water in general. As Fluttermoth says above, fitted guards are a MUST as they can easily bash into them and break them.
Sand for the substrate, big rocks that they can't move and maybe some big bits of Mopani.
Been told they're prolific tank 're-decorators' so anything that can be moved they will - including live plants.
I'm considering to maybe stick some Java Fern tucked into some rock crevasses so they can't get at them just as some greenery.
 
I've been told it's like keeping a dog - just one that lives in water. If they get bored they start wrecking stuff.
 
My two will be kept with a Fire Eel, Sailfin Plec and a Black Labeo Shark - and also eventually my 6 Clown Loaches once they are big enough not to be dinner. What were you thinking in the case of tank mates?
 
Also what colour Oscars were you looking at getting? 

 

[Stringy30]

I've got a Fluval FX6 ready for my Oscar tank. Raising them to start with in a 200L when I get them at 3-4 inches (a pair) and then upgrading to an 805L custom made by ND Aquatics.
Also will be heating with 2, 300W heaters (I don't tend to worry about the brand too much with heaters). Good in case one breaks and also for heating that much water in general. As Fluttermoth says above, fitted guards are a MUST as they can easily bash into them and break them.
Sand for the substrate, big rocks that they can't move and maybe some big bits of Mopani.
Been told they're prolific tank 're-decorators' so anything that can be moved they will - including live plants.
I'm considering to maybe stick some Java Fern tucked into some rock crevasses so they can't get at them just as some greenery.
 
I've been told it's like keeping a dog - just one that lives in water. If they get bored they start wrecking stuff.
 
My two will be kept with a Fire Eel, Sailfin Plec and a Black Labeo Shark - and also eventually my 6 Clown Loaches once they are big enough not to be dinner. What were you thinking in the case of tank mates?
 
Also what colour Oscars were you looking at getting? 

 
It was just going to have tiger albino oscars really no other tank mates. 

 

[Stringy30]

The tank is about 92 gallons.

 

[Sophie]

The tank is about 92 gallons.

Just over 400L. Personally I'd say that's a little too small for more than one once fully grown. Not sure on others opinions though.

 

[Stringy30]

The tank is about 92 gallons.

Just over 400L. Personally I'd say that's a little too small for more than one once fully grown. Not sure on others opinions though.

Ok thanks Sophie 


What could I put with one? 

 

[Sophie]

The tank is about 92 gallons.

Just over 400L. Personally I'd say that's a little too small for more than one once fully grown. Not sure on others opinions though.

Ok thanks Sophie 
What could I put with one? 

Anything peaceful and big enough not to be eaten I'm not sure 100% on suitability of companions so again, have to get some other members opinions Try a google search for a rough idea.