Suggestions?

**bmth1231** · 06-04-2009, 03:58 AM

Soo my birthdays coming up (june 10th) and I'm expecting to have some extra cash :]. I want to get a new tank, I was thinking around 50g or so,
I was interested in making it a community tank, But I'm also interested in larger fish like oscars. I could get a larger tank if i decided to get an oscar. well what do you think I should do? other ideas are welcome also!

edit: Sorry if I put this in the wrong section wasn't thinking.

**Northernguy** · 06-04-2009, 04:00 AM

An Oscar is always a great idea if you buy a 75gallon.
Two Oscars need at least 125.Lots of great deals come up on Craig's list if Red Severum doesn't get it first!

**bmth1231** · 06-04-2009, 04:14 AM

I'm not completely convinced I have enough experience to be ready for big fish like oscars yet though. My biggest tank is 20 gallons which is another reason I was considering a 50g community, to get some experience with a decent sized tank

**Northernguy** · 06-04-2009, 05:24 AM

A 50 and 75 are both 4ft long!
The 75 is 18" front to back and the 50 is 12".
One is really just as easy as the other but the 75 gives you more options.

**MCHRKiller** · 06-04-2009, 07:13 AM

Agreed with NG, bigger is better especially when keeping cichlids. Fortunatly with something in the 60ish gallon market you have quite a few options as far as community fish go.

You stated an interest in Oscars, well a tank in that size range just isnt large enough but there are similar fish that are smaller, which should work well .

I would start out with a shoal of 5-6 Brochis catfish and 6-8 Black skirt tetras, 2 rubber lipped plecos. And Id actually either go for either a pair of Port Acaras or Rainbow cichlids....or a single Severum as the centerpiece fish

**Jaster** · 06-04-2009, 11:32 AM

my first "real" tank was an 80 gallon. Don't let the size intimidate you at all. if you have the ability to keep you 20 with no issues you can keep anything, it's just more water but the concept is the same. I've also found that larger tanks are a bit more forgiving.
Go hit the yard sales and craigs list! I picked up a 55 for $50 not long ago. There are some great deals out there!

**bushwhacker** · 06-04-2009, 04:38 PM

oscars are really neat fish, but for me i just dont like someting that i cant keep more than 1 or 2 fish in a tank.. also i like planted tanks and ya just cant do that with oscars

**Red** · 06-04-2009, 04:48 PM

If you want a bigger fish, maybe try something like a severum or a jack dempsay because they can fit in a 55 and look great, and have some personality.

**Oscar_freak12321** · 06-04-2009, 04:53 PM

I would definitely try a severum. They come in many different varieties, are very colorful, and actually quite peaceful for a bigger fish, which might be good for you at this point in time.

**Red** · 06-04-2009, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Oscar_freak12321

I would definitely try a severum. They come in many different varieties, are very colorful, and actually quite peaceful for a bigger fish, which might be good for you at this point in time.

tell that to mine! She has taken chunks out of my hand and the siphon protecting her eggs LOL
But I agree, there just an awesoem fish for a starter and a expert because they are like little dogs.