Ideas For 90g Tank

[JimTheBetta]

Come February next year, im going to start up a 90g tank (48"x18"x 24" acyrlic), but right now i plan on starting to buy all the supplies and equipment i can, so next year i can spend the money on the tank and stocking it with plants and fish.

I'm still pretty new to all the equipment to go on a tank, especially this size, so i was hoping yall could start to give me ideas so i can, as i said, start purchasing things that can sit till next year. Also any ideas for what to buy then will help me plan ahead for how much to spend, and also help me know what i should be looking for to get this tank up to snuff.

I plan on this tank being for an oscar, and whatever else yall feel can go in there with him. I know a friend has 2 oscars with a pleco that live quite happily together, but i have already lost 1 pleco to being with the wrong tankmates, hate to lose another.

So as i said, start with the ideas :D They will be much appreciated :19:

[Commodore 64]

Just know that your weekly 50% water changes are going to be much more of a PITA, especially if you use the bucket method, like me.

For filters, look into a couple Fluval 305, or a Fluval 305 + AC110 combo. The new Marineland canisters are getting good reviews too.

[Sharon]

Get a Python Syphon System...I love mine. It's a must with large tanks!

[gm72]

I think to start I would plan on heavy filtration--oscars are a mess. I'm an Eheim guy, so I'd go with dual 2028s or a single 2260.

[AABatteries]

Saw you said something about plants. What lighting are you planning on having? If you were reffering to live plants.

[Sharon]

Are live plants an option with Oscars...

[AABatteries]

I don't think that would work, you're right. Oscars like to move around gravel and stir it up from time to time.

[JimTheBetta]

I don't think that would work, you're right. Oscars like to move around gravel and stir it up from time to time.

Thats why i asked yall first :D I was going to do plants, but if they would prefer space and just some decorations thats fine too.

Im also starting to think the tank might end up being 150g. This lfs i found has some really good deals on tanks, and since i get it locally no shipping.

As for filters, ive always heard nothing but good about fluval, so that was the brand i was going with. But it would be my first canister filter so i wanted to hear what yall said.

[Northernguy]

Most oscars will shred your plants.When they are young they will play in them.As they get older they will tear them apart and eat them,if they are tastey enough.My 2 oscars love spinach and lettuce. They also live happily with a pleco.

[Wild Turkey]

Oscars and plecos are okay tankmates, but like mentioned above oscars like to uproot plants and such, so a rockier tank would be a better option.

[AABatteries]

My oscar tank, has one oscar and one pleco, they've also ways gotten along fine. And its an all rock tank too.

[JimTheBetta]

Ok well lets go through the list as of now if i got with 90g-150g tank.


The Tank, Of Course - 90g 48"x18"x 24" acyrlic or 150g 48"x24"x31" glass
Fluval FX5 Canister Filter (in case i go 150g)
Rena SmartHeater - 300W For 90g, 300W and 150W for 150g (right?)
API Master Test Kit for this tank
48" Satellite 2x65W SunPaq w/Lunar Light
48" x 24" Glass Canopy (Perfecto)
Gravel Siphon
Pinpoint Wireless Thermometer (cause im techie like that)
Mag Float Acrylic Safe 130A for 90g, Mag Float-125 Magnetic Glass Cleaner for 150g
10" Aquarium Net (Tetra)
Top Fin Gravel - Black
Rock & Driftwood
Pure Ammonia For Cycling


I honestly can't think of anything more to add to this list, other then food, and of course the fish.

[AABatteries]

I take it your going planted and not getting oscars. With the lighting on the 90g you should be fine with up medium/medium-high light plants.

[JimTheBetta]

I take it your going planted and not getting oscars. With the lighting on the 90g you should be fine with up medium/medium-high light plants.

No wasn't planning on going planted, still keeping the oscars. That light is in case things do change and i add any plants at all. Plus i like the lunar lights it has with it.

[mac]

Thats why i asked yall first :D I was going to do plants, but if they would prefer space and just some decorations thats fine too.

Yes Oscars are great at ripping up plants, and shredding them. But you can have logs in your tank.

I'm also starting to think the tank might end up being 150g. This lfs i found has some really good deals on tanks, and since i get it locally no shipping.

Yes that would be a great size tank for the Oscars and Pleco.

As for filters, ive always heard nothing but good about fluval, so that was the brand i was going with. But it would be my first canister filter so i wanted to hear what yall said.

I have a Fluval 304 and is is wonderful. Never have any problems with it. It dose a great job. and is o quite.
Plus it is a ease to clean.


Now on to a new subject. Python Syphon's. I stick to the old bucket method. It helps to keep you fit and health. And I have no problems doing a 100 gallon or a small one by bucket.

mac