New 55g Setup

[Shylie8108]

Hi all, this is my first post here.

I am relatively new to the aquarium world, and have recently "inherited" a 55g aquarium with two 9" oscars and a large pleco.

Long story short the person who had it took very poor care of it. I am surpised there is any life left in it. No heater, inadquate/disgusting HOB filter no decorations. Basically just a tank and gravel.

I have little knowledge of aquariums and would really like to do what is best for these guys. I am looking to set up a sump with a 10g I have lying around with and overflow (all DIY). I have never done anything like this before and really need some guidance to set this thing up and get it running. Time is short because they were already given to me on short notice. While I have done some reading, I thought it would be best to consult the pros on this. I am not even sure exactly how a sump/overflow works or what to put in it.

I've read that 2 oscars is a large bioload for a 55g but I would like to add some smaller fish at some point in the future. Would it be possible with a high turnover of the water? If so what kind could I put in? I know oscars are aggressive and eat smaller fish.

Thanks so much.

 

[Raptorthefishman]

Either get rid of 1 oscar and add no more fish or get rid of all 3 fish and start fresh. 1 oscar in a 55g is pushing it but 2 is too much especially with a big poop factory in there with them. Oscars aren't necessarily aggressive as they are just pigs that will eat anything that fits in their mouth. I would nix the sump idea and just go with two big hob filters. AC or biowheels will work.

 

[Jakob]

Get rid of one of the o's. But still a 55 is a very very minimum, should be put in a 75 soon.

 

[kjfan1]

Get rid of the O's and start a cichlid tank lol.

 

[Shylie8108]

I was thinking about getting rid of them but i can't seem to find a fish store in Cincinnati that will take them. I would love to start a cichlid tank.

As far as the sump goes, I would like to start one out of sheer curiosity and to get some experience. I would like to get a bigger tank in the near future and being able to tinker with a smaller one seems like it would be benificial.

 

[NWatson]

I was thinking about getting rid of them but i can't seem to find a fish store in Cincinnati that will take them. I would love to start a cichlid tank.

As far as the sump goes, I would like to start one out of sheer curiosity and to get some experience. I would like to get a bigger tank in the near future and being able to tinker with a smaller one seems like it would be benificial.

Aquatics and Exotics will take them.