Are you sure you'll be able to upgrade within a year? Because things always come up, unexpected circumstances, money troubles, space issues, and then upgrades never happen. It's just best to start once you have the final tank, even if you're using a smaller growout tank in the meantime. That way the second tank can be set up at the drop of a hat.
Plecos will eat algae, but they also need food from you. Cucumber, zucchini, sweet potato, bell peppers, basically most vegetables, in order to stay healthy. And they poop a LOT. It's this stringy poop that gets draped over everything. Unless you particularly like Loricariids, (sucker mouthed, armored catfish; "plecos"), then I suggest you get an algae scrubbing pad instead of a pleco. Besides, common plecos can reach 3' in length, and the smaller species are also usually more expensive.
Richie noted that some Oscar keepers might say 75 gallons isn't optimal, and I agree, but it's the bare minimum for a fish with the Oscar's bioload and it's max size (14"). As long as you don't add any tankmates, and you keep up with water changes, probably around 30% twice a week, and get a good filter, then things should work out.
Plecos will eat algae, but they also need food from you. Cucumber, zucchini, sweet potato, bell peppers, basically most vegetables, in order to stay healthy. And they poop a LOT. It's this stringy poop that gets draped over everything. Unless you particularly like Loricariids, (sucker mouthed, armored catfish; "plecos"), then I suggest you get an algae scrubbing pad instead of a pleco. Besides, common plecos can reach 3' in length, and the smaller species are also usually more expensive.
Richie noted that some Oscar keepers might say 75 gallons isn't optimal, and I agree, but it's the bare minimum for a fish with the Oscar's bioload and it's max size (14"). As long as you don't add any tankmates, and you keep up with water changes, probably around 30% twice a week, and get a good filter, then things should work out.
My pleco keeps my tank squeaky clean....
