Rcguerra
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Greetings,
I am about to purchase a young tiger oscar, but the ultimate goal is to have it as a living room center piece Brazilian biotope. The entire idea stated about 4 years ago, but I did not have the resources to get anything bigger than 75 gallons. Well, things changed, and I am here to get some recommendations from more experienced AA members:
The tank:
Width: 72" (182.88cm)
Height: 24" (60.96cm)
Depth: 18" (45.72cm)
volume is approximately 31,104.0 cubic inches or 134.6 U.S. gallons, which is approximately 523.8 liters. Got if from CL this Sunday for US$50.00. Stand included. Yes. 50 bucks.
Currently featuring 4 20" Fluorescent hoods. The tank will not be planted, so I might use a 48" Finnex LED and play with the design to have a "shadowed" corner.
Filtration options:
I have available for immediate usage: 2 Aquaclear 110, 1 Fluval 406 Canister. I can use one of each or any combination. After some readings though, investing on a Fluval FX5 is not outside my current budget.
Heaters:
I have 2 300w available, but I really need to know if all the stuff about oscars exploding heaters trying to bite the light is true. Should I get titanium ones?
Substrate:
Not sure yet. Would love black sand, but I never had a large fish. Do Oscars make it really messy and I will end up with a black sand filter compartment?
Ornaments:
River stones (big ones) and most likely one single driftwood piece. Something big enough to work as a refuge/cage for an adult, well developed Oscar (18"?).
Why am I here? Well, besides reading the classic sources, forums and commercial sites, I would like to read hands-on experience from other people. Personal experiences, recommendations, dos and donts, tips and tricks on maximazing the experience of the viewer, the quality of life of the fish and minimize struggles from the regular maintenance. Please share pictures as well. Hopefully this topic can become a reference for others in the future as we progress.
Thank you in advance for any recommendations, constructive criticism and, of cource, your time.
I am about to purchase a young tiger oscar, but the ultimate goal is to have it as a living room center piece Brazilian biotope. The entire idea stated about 4 years ago, but I did not have the resources to get anything bigger than 75 gallons. Well, things changed, and I am here to get some recommendations from more experienced AA members:
The tank:
Width: 72" (182.88cm)
Height: 24" (60.96cm)
Depth: 18" (45.72cm)
volume is approximately 31,104.0 cubic inches or 134.6 U.S. gallons, which is approximately 523.8 liters. Got if from CL this Sunday for US$50.00. Stand included. Yes. 50 bucks.
Currently featuring 4 20" Fluorescent hoods. The tank will not be planted, so I might use a 48" Finnex LED and play with the design to have a "shadowed" corner.
Filtration options:
I have available for immediate usage: 2 Aquaclear 110, 1 Fluval 406 Canister. I can use one of each or any combination. After some readings though, investing on a Fluval FX5 is not outside my current budget.
Heaters:
I have 2 300w available, but I really need to know if all the stuff about oscars exploding heaters trying to bite the light is true. Should I get titanium ones?
Substrate:
Not sure yet. Would love black sand, but I never had a large fish. Do Oscars make it really messy and I will end up with a black sand filter compartment?
Ornaments:
River stones (big ones) and most likely one single driftwood piece. Something big enough to work as a refuge/cage for an adult, well developed Oscar (18"?).
Why am I here? Well, besides reading the classic sources, forums and commercial sites, I would like to read hands-on experience from other people. Personal experiences, recommendations, dos and donts, tips and tricks on maximazing the experience of the viewer, the quality of life of the fish and minimize struggles from the regular maintenance. Please share pictures as well. Hopefully this topic can become a reference for others in the future as we progress.
Thank you in advance for any recommendations, constructive criticism and, of cource, your time.
