Heeelp! Stocking 55--JD+ or pr O's

[wannaarro]

Since I want to get my first cichlid tank going now that my tax return came (yay) here's the dealio:

Decided against saving Flowerhorn, too far gone

My best LFS has: pair of Oscars @8"; 1 Jack Dempsey @5"; some Black Cons @2.5-4"; some Silver Dollars @ 4". I would like to create an interesting community tank in the 55 (working my way up) and don't want to overstock!!! I've been reading up on care and behaviors, and know that I'll set up gravel for digging/rooting, no planting, and rock formations, and the O's are messy.

Anybody willing to advise? It's my first monster tank (with a couple more, stepping up in size) and I really want healthy, happy fishes. Thanks!!! Renee

 

[rottbo]

those oscars will rule your tank and terrorize all your other fish

 

[wannaarro]

Yup, I forgot to mention that if I went with the 2 Oscars they would have to be the only fish in the tank!! These two would definitely rule!! I've learned that much from MFK!!

 

[Fry]

55 is really tight for 2 oscars, oscars get as big or bigger than the width of the tank, the most i would go for is a JD, con, firemouth in a 55 maybe with a pictus cat or pleco, have you bought the tank yet? a 75 would be much better and you'd have better options, also why not raise fish instead of getting mid-size fish

 

[Miles]

I would stay away from the Oscar pair until you upgrade to a 75-90g tank! Stick with some of the smaller species

 

[Scottfree]

My personal preference, is starting with juvniles and raising them, as oppossed to getting adult fish. Gives me a feeling of accomplishment when you see a large fish that you've raised from something the size of a guppy. Buying juvniles also gives you time to plan for their next tank, and hopefully a much larger tank.

 

[wannaarro]

OK, great advice so far. Man, I learn so much from you guys (as a teacher, I know good larnin'!!)

No, I haven't bought the tank yet, that's why I didn't sound so committed to the 55 --probably get a 70 now (but I live in a mobile home and don't trust the floors for too much weight, e.g. 100, 120 and up) and I don't have a man around to beef up the floor support). I like the idea of getting juvies--you reminded me of the difference in bonding with critters if we raise them--it's just different. I've raised and trained two horses, and it's NOTHING like buying an older horse. Hmmm, now to rethink. Bigger tank (whoopee!!) and new take on stock. Any other ideas are much appreciated!! Thanks!!!! MFK rocks!!!

 

[slammer]

On the mobile home issue...Use concrete blocks to brace the floor where the tank is going to be. Stack the blocks as high as possible and then shim with plywood. I just installed a 125 in an older single wide for a friend of mine. On the other hand if your MH is fairly new it should have conventional floor joists and weight is probably not an issue. Get the model and year of the home and call the manufacturer or crawl under and take a peek.

Slam

 

[wannaarro]

Hey, that sounds do-able for me!! I can be pretty handy to a point. (I have been up under it, checking tie-downs after big winds like a neurotic idiot!!) It's a 2002 model, so sounds like from your info it'd be fairly sturdy. I just never thought I'd end up in one, and it's got definite differences from a house LOL! So I will be able to have larger tanks after all. Rock on!!! Thanks, Slam

 

[Jason_S]

I wouldn't go with anything that will grow larger than a JD. you could do a really nice community setup with firemouth. something like:

6-8 juvie firemouths to start...the number will need to be weeded down as they grow to just 1 or 2 pairs
a group of 10-14 dithers (platys would be nice for a biotope tank, or some type of medium rainbow, maybe giant danios, a larger tetra or a not-quite-so-nippy barb species)
some type of bottom feeder (a big school of corys may work, just keep an eye on them as the firemouths get bigger and start breeding. other choices would be a Syno. eupterus, 2 raphaels, upside down cats (depending on the the dithers you get) and a bristlenose pleco or 2)

lots of hiding places with rocks, driftwood, plants (sturdy ones) and a fine gravel or sand substrate and you've got an awesome tank.