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 Big enough tank?
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| Author | Topic: Big enough tank? |
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Wendy Member  Posts: 23 |
posted 01-31-2004 03:16 PM
 
HELLO AGAIN! I have 3 oscars and 2 pacu in a 55 gal. tank. The Pacus are about 8-12" and the oscars are 6" or so. I moved them to this ank about year ago from 29 gal. I am praying this is enough. The Pacus at times FLIP out and BASH around the tank. They always have smooshed noses, hurt noses. Is that normal? IP: Logged |
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LeeTron Member Posts: 104 |
posted 01-31-2004 08:49 PM
Wendy, I'm afraid you need a much larger tank right now to house all FIVE of these large fish comfortably. The oscars can get 12" long and the pacus (!) can get up to 18" in private aquaria. I have seen pacus in public aquaria that were two feet long and as big around as a serving platter. Pacus are generally not recommended for home aquariums, but fish stores keep selling them. To house all five the minimum tank size you should have is 400 gallons. Figure 55 gal for each Oscar and 100 gal for each pacu ad add an extra 50 for safety. I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but if you keep your current setup, you will lose most or all of your fish. good luck IP: Logged |
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LeeTron Member Posts: 104 |
posted 02-05-2004 01:50 PM
full grown pacu:  IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-05-2004 02:25 PM
OH MY GOSH....What can I do now? I cant get a bigger tank.  I feel like I am being mean to them now. IP: Logged |
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t_chelle16 Member Posts: 501 |
posted 02-05-2004 10:09 PM
If I were you, I would ask around at all the pet stores in your area and see if they will take the pacus and 2 of the oscars. They probably won't buy them from you, but just giving them away would be better than trying to keep them in an overcrowded tank. -Chelle IP: Logged |
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LeeTron Member Posts: 104 |
posted 02-06-2004 03:44 PM
Do you live in or near a big city with a large freshwater aquarium? You could always explain your situation to them and see if they could take four fish off your hands (Keep an oscar). bon chance IP: Logged |
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friendly to fish Member Posts: 61 |
posted 02-06-2004 07:49 PM
I would agree your overcrowded for your tank. The best rule of thumb that I know of is 1 inch per gallon smaller fish. 3 inches for bigger fish. The Pacu's should prolly go. Unless you just want one fish. You might be able to keep all three oscars in it but they might be crowded as far as that goes. The best bet is just keep two of the oscars. Hope this helps a little IP: Logged |
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t_chelle16 Member Posts: 501 |
posted 02-06-2004 08:49 PM
Like I said before, a 55 gallon is the BARE MINIMUM for ONE oscar in terms of both bioload and territory. I wouldn't try 2. -Chelle IP: Logged |
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smooth New Member  Posts: 8 |
posted 02-07-2004 05:21 PM
ya i agree with Chelle. But I think that u should try some fish like red devil, confics, Texas blues ,pikes, and there r more but those fish get to be a medium size really cool to. IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-07-2004 05:22 PM
Well I guess the only answer is to get rid of them. But HOW!? The aqurium here I called they said NOOOO. So I am at a loss. I am sad to these guys know me! IP: Logged |
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JustSomeGuy Member Posts: 65 |
posted 02-08-2004 10:10 AM
Personally, I would load them up, and drop them off at the same exact store that sold them to you. Dont want money, just take them in and set them down. Look them in the eye, and say, "Yep, 3 Oscars and all these Pacu in a 55, *******" Turn around, and leave. Hi JustSomeGuy, Please be careful of the language. This is a family forum. Thank you. [This message has been edited by kc5gvn (edited 02-08-2004).] IP: Logged |
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JustSomeGuy Member Posts: 65 |
posted 02-08-2004 10:14 AM
And, the only reason they seem to get only so big in home aquaria, is because they die from poor conditions before they get any larger. The size of a fishies tank, DOES NOT stop them from growing. That is such an OLD hand me down WRONG advice that is so prevailent in the fish world. It will however deform them, and send them to an untimely demise. Oscar are known to live 15+ years. Good luck finding many over 5 or 6. As I have heard so many times "But I had my really big Oscar in my 30 gallon tank for 5 years before he died!" Well, folks, these fish are only about 1/4 way thru there life at that age. Like us dieing at 25. Its sad, really is. I admit, like most, I started with 2 Oscars in a 30 gallon tank on my TV. Its simply bad husbandry for the fish. [This message has been edited by JustSomeGuy (edited 02-08-2004).] IP: Logged |
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cichlids small Jaws Member Posts: 255 |
posted 02-08-2004 10:38 AM
my dads perrot i think it was BIG and RED/orngy all over and looked like it had a hunch back was 10 years old... then it died form the stupid Cockitoo biting cords wile we were gone..... and the tank basicly stoped filtering and got uber Cold well the tank could only be in our basment cuz a 125 gal would break through the secnd floor he was pissed lol. now we have only fish and cats no bird.... oh well the huge pleco survived berrly and a cool cave fish did to hee hee it has no eyes. my self i prefer oscars and convits ------------------ IP: Logged |
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LeeTron Member Posts: 104 |
posted 02-08-2004 11:54 AM
Try placing a "free to good home" ad in your local paper or on the many fish forums/websites on the internet. As a stop-gap measure, you could always get another one or two 55-gal tanks and spread the bio-load out somewhat and keep the fish healthier in the short term. However, this would only be a temporary fix because, like I said before, the pacus will get huge. Check out the following site for more info on what is really involved in keeping these large fish: http://www.tomgriffin.com/aquamag/pacu.html To every one reading this post: Don't ever ever buy a pacu regardless of what the person at the fish store tells you. They are totally inappropriate for home aquaria and will only suffer in the long run in any aquarium under 1000 gallons. The only reason fish stores keep selling these fish is because of their popularity (I've even seen them at Wal-Mart)as the "poor mans piranha." If we quit buying them, maybe fish stores will wise up and quit selling them. Until then, we can only do our part by NOT purchasing these fish and questioning the ethics of those who sell them to inexperienced aquarists. IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-08-2004 05:15 PM
Ok Ok I got it! I know I need to get rid of them, but still at lose how, And darnit I love these guys! Although another posting I had was the water is cloudy....weeks now...still is! Im at lose what to do. I had it tested, nitrates were high. That has lowered now but still cloudy. I have 2 filters going now, I do partial water change once a week. Put in cloudy med's ..didnt work...What now? IP: Logged |
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LeeTron Member Posts: 104 |
posted 02-09-2004 10:02 AM
Wendy, I'm sorry for your situation but you don't have many realistic options. What your fish need is space. More/bigger tanks, giving away most of your fish, or culling (probably not an option) are really the only choices you have. All fish, get stressed and agressive when crowded. This is why they "bash" around the tank. Now that that that dead horse has been beaten sufficently. Here's what you can do while you decide what you have to do. You can try upping the frequency of your water changes. Try doing a 20% change every other day and if that doesn't work, try one every day. If that doesn't help, increase the percentage of water you change daily. Clean/replace your filter media weekly if not more. Feed your fish less so waste is reduced and growth slows. Go easy on any medication you introduce to the tank for whatever reason. The main idea is less foreign material in the water, not more. If your tank is unhealthy due to overcrowding, no med in the world will make it better. [This message has been edited by LeeTron (edited 02-09-2004).] IP: Logged |
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t_chelle16 Member Posts: 501 |
posted 02-09-2004 12:33 PM
"Clean/replace your filter media weekly if not more" I'd just like to add that you shouldn't replace all your media at once or you'll lose all the bacteria and the tank will cycle again. A good rinsing in dechlorinated water should suffice. -Chelle IP: Logged |
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LeeTron Member Posts: 104 |
posted 02-09-2004 12:45 PM
true dat chelle... my bad Wendy IP: Logged |
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mags Member Posts: 20 |
posted 02-09-2004 05:13 PM
Wendy, Coudy water? Get a filter IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-10-2004 09:11 AM
OK, well I need to find a home for them. Anyone out there who wants them?  IP: Logged |
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friendly to fish Member Posts: 61 |
posted 02-10-2004 11:47 AM
IMO two oscars are ok for a 55 gallon this is almost 30 gallons per fish. giving you roughly around 2 gallons per inch at there max size. I have seen them in much smaller tanks and very sad. If I were you I would try to get two of the opposite sex. As they will go together alot better than say two males. Just make sure you do proper maintenance on the tank. This is just my opinion. I love for my fish to be happy but some of these outlandish tank sizes. Dont forget that these will be sharing swimming room. Its not like your keeping them in a 20 gallon or something. Just food for thought. I would not however go with anymore. Yes you would be pushing it. But they are loved pets. IP: Logged |
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JustSomeGuy Member Posts: 65 |
posted 02-10-2004 02:08 PM
2 Oscars in a 55 is not Ok. Once they reach adult size, there is simply not enough space in that tank. Even if the water volume could handle the load, 2 12+ inch fish in a tank thats only 12 inches wide.....think about that. IP: Logged |
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TL1031 Member Posts: 100 |
posted 02-10-2004 02:29 PM
justsomeguy.. good advice IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-12-2004 07:20 AM
OK! I have found a home for my 2 Pacus. Sad and yet happy. PetSmart agreed to take them back and put them in a inside 300 G pond in the store till the right owner wants them. Im sad to lose them, but happy they will be free from this small jail cell they grew into. Thanks all for your help! I really am glad to see the out pouring of comments. Thanks and bless all! Wendy IP: Logged |
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katanas_edge Member Posts: 266 |
posted 02-12-2004 10:05 AM
Glad to hear it. Remember that you'll eventually need a larger tank for your Oscar's too (100-125 for 3). By the way, I may have missed it, but everyone is talking about two Oscar's - did you get rid of one? In that case, you're probably looking at a 75-100 gallon tank for 2. IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-12-2004 10:12 AM
No I still have 3. The Fish expert ( Ha ha) Said that the tank was large enough for the 3 of them. SO far they arent very big. But he said if I change my mind and I feel it isnt big enough they will take those back too. I will wait and see. IP: Logged |
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angelgirl2003 Member Posts: 59 |
posted 02-12-2004 11:39 AM
Wendy: A 55 gallon is big enough for 1 oscar. Your tank will be soon overstocked and you will have major water problems and not to mention you fish will be fighting for territory. It will not be pretty. Keep in mind that the longer you keep an oscar, the more attached you will get, so either invest in a 125 gallon tank, or pick your fav now. Good luck to you, you seem like you want what is best for your fish. IP: Logged |
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katanas_edge Member Posts: 266 |
posted 02-12-2004 11:45 AM
Look on the bright side, I think your post must have set some sort of record for number of replies! IP: Logged |
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katanas_edge Member Posts: 266 |
posted 02-12-2004 11:46 AM
Just doin' my part... IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-12-2004 02:54 PM
Yes, I have been overwelmed to say the least with the mssages! Thanks to all! I WUV ya all! IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-16-2004 11:09 AM
YEAH! Finally the water is clear! All along it was because it was too crowded in the tank! I miss my Pacus..but they are happier now. A girl that works at the Petsmart took them into a 200G tank, just the 2 of them! Im HAPPY! Thanks again for all your help! I miss getting on line and seeing all the replys I have! IP: Logged |
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LeeTron Member Posts: 104 |
posted 02-16-2004 11:21 AM
Good for you Wendy! So, now you have three 6" oscars in a 55 gal? If so, you are still overstocked but at least you have some time to decide what to do. You probably have about a year before you reach "critical mass" again depending on how much you feed your fish. bon chance! IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-16-2004 11:24 AM
Lee, WOW that was quick! I looked for your email to thank you personally but it isnt avaiable. So ...thanks again for the reply. Yea...I know too many yet, but I have time to look for a biggr tank, maybe garage sale or Ebay! I sell there alot so, I know it could be found. Thanks again! Have a super week!IP: Logged |
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bethycats New Member Posts: 3 |
posted 02-18-2004 08:59 PM
I have one oscar who is 6" long, in a 30 gal tank, and I have been searching for the least expensive but largest size tank I can find. I thought you might be interested in a website I found with very good prices. http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=2 (all one line) If you go to the site above it is their price list. They have a 75 gal tank for just $95. Good luck to you! IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-19-2004 10:39 AM
Thank you, they are coming to Chicago soon too. I just may order an acrylic tank! Can pick it up from there! THANKS A MIL! IP: Logged |
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katanas_edge Member Posts: 266 |
posted 02-19-2004 11:12 AM
Seems they forgot to include any Canadian cities. Those prices are awesome though. The stands aren't great - not bad though, but I'd rather build a stand than an aquarium anyway. IP: Logged |
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fabbyfishies Member Posts: 28 |
posted 02-19-2004 07:39 PM
I read Leetron's comment that pacu's are being passed off as the poor man's pirahna in some stores. i've heard that too. poor pacu's hey, silver dollar's look kinda pirahna-ish, so there's a better poor man's pirahna that doesn't grow too obnoxiously huge  lol. those little silver dollars seem to grow really fast, at least the one in my mom's tank does.IP: Logged |
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LeeTron Member Posts: 104 |
posted 02-20-2004 03:31 PM
It's ironic that pacus are refered to as the "poor mans piranha" when in the long run, they will wind up costing much more than keeping actual piranhas. what a world, what a world... IP: Logged |
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cichlids small Jaws Member Posts: 255 |
posted 02-22-2004 11:15 AM
the Real poor mans pirahna is the spoted silver doller!! or a red hook they look just like pirhanas but are friendly schooling fish!!! IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 03-21-2004 04:41 PM
Sad to say..alot has happened in past 2 weeks. After the HAPPY ending for the Pacus, My albino oscar died for reason unknown. Now last night another one died. I think he ate some glass when he broke the tempature thing. I took it out but I think he ate some. Now, im down to only one. I am so sad. I think I am going to move him and get some Discus, a friend had those. I dont know anything about them..are they a good choice? Or I was thinking of Angels. Any comments? Thanks! Wendy IP: Logged |
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cj101 Member Posts: 27 |
posted 03-21-2004 08:13 PM
r u serious only 1 full grow grown oscar can fit in a 55 gallon u need at least a 150 gallon for a medium sized pacu IP: Logged |
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Papagorgio Member Posts: 11 |
posted 03-22-2004 02:38 AM
Get as many Discus as you can. Your handleing of your dead fish speaks volumes of your ability with Discus fish. The best thing about your new choice is that they are a very hardy fish so you can get 15-20 of them in your tank. Don't worry about the money Discus live in even the worst water just like bettas LOLLOL IP: Logged |
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Papagorgio Member Posts: 11 |
posted 03-22-2004 02:40 AM
Get angels IP: Logged |
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Wendy Member Posts: 23 |
posted 03-22-2004 07:07 AM
Thanks, actually I dont have all them together like you think. The Pacus have been gone for awhile now. I knew the oscars would soon outgrow the tank and I had plans to give them to the store where I bought them. Now I just wanted advice about the discus, but from another posting I have discus would be a bad choice. Thanks for your thoughts. IP: Logged |
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t_chelle16 Member Posts: 501 |
posted 03-22-2004 10:46 AM
quote: Actually, I've always heard just the opposite about discus. They tend to be pretty delicate fish with a very narrow range of tollerable water conditions. If they water isn't perfect, chances are they'll get sick/die. -Chelle IP: Logged |
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discusluvr Member Posts: 17 |
posted 03-23-2004 07:56 AM
Chelle is right. Discus are very picky about water conditions, food, temperature... I have two and it is a lot of work. They are beautiful though! IP: Logged |
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