What Tank size do I need?! Help

:? I have a 7-8 inch oscar, a 4-5 inch Jack Dempsey and a 7-8 inch Pleko. I bought them when they were small and have a 30 gal. tank. I know they have outgrown the tank and need to get a bigger one. What size should I get?

 

I'd say a 75 gallon would be a good way to go... plecos can get big, jacks approx. 12 in and oscars 12 in.

 

I agree. Anything smaller than a 75g is risking sick or dead fish. The Oscar alone needs a 55g, add in another large fish and a bottom feeder....

 

go with a 75g and if u can even bigger.

 

Thanks, I have looked at that size and they are extremely expensive and right now that isn't feasable. i have been thinking about building a tank out of Acrylic. Is there any dangers in doing this?

 

100g dude oscars and jack dempseys both get big and are really territorial!

 

I definitely wouldn't go any smaller than a 90 gallon (100+ being preferable).

I used to have a 10" and an 8" oscar in a 75 gallon tank (comparable to a full grown JD and an almost full grown oscar). And they where too much bioload for that size tank. Weekly 30% water changes would not keep the nitrAtes below 20ppm.

And like M_wm said, both fish are very territorial so they need plenty of room or you run the risk of them killing eachother. So you really do need a pretty large tank (and a 6' long tank would be much better than a 4' long tank).

I think the main risk of building your own tank out of acrylic, especially if you've never done anything like that before, is the possibility of it leaking. You could also try building one out of plywood. I know there's several sites out there that explain how to do it.

But you really needed a bigger tank probably about 4 or 5 months ago so whatever you do, you should do it very soon. If you can't, I hate to say it, but you should find new homes for your fish.

-Chelle

 

Well, I did it. I went out and bought a 75 gal. this weekend. The LFS was having a really good after christmas sale.

 

Congratulation, now that's a happy ending!
Glad to hear you didn't have to part with your fishes.