New cichlid tank.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Backfromthedead

Backfromthedead

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Jul 12, 2017
4,866
6,731
164
Fredericksburg va
I impulsively bought a 75g tank off Craigslist and now its a month later and I have two beautiful, but rapidly growing oscars patrolling it.

I want to up size just as soon as possible but wanted some schooling from you fine folks beforehand.

Considering a tall 150 or a 180. What kind of options does the 180 give me that the 150 tall won't? I'd like to maybe introduce one or two larger compatible fish, perhaps another large cichlid or a cat; but ive never had a larger tank than 75 and I've never put other fish with my previous oscars so some advice would be appreciated. I really like jaguar cichlids but the consensus seems to be no go with the oscars.

Also I've never dealt with canister filters so what's a good model and size for the kind of rig im talking?

Thanks!
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey
Backfromthedead said:
I impulsively bought a 75g tank off Craigslist and now its a month later and I have two beautiful, but rapidly growing oscars patrolling it.

I want to up size just as soon as possible but wanted some schooling from you fine folks beforehand.

Considering a tall 150 or a 180. What kind of options does the 180 give me that the 150 tall won't? I'd like to maybe introduce one or two larger compatible fish, perhaps another large cichlid or a cat; but ive never had a larger tank than 75 and I've never put other fish with my previous oscars so some advice would be appreciated. I really like jaguar cichlids but the consensus seems to be no go with the oscars.

Also I've never dealt with canister filters so what's a good model and size for the kind of rig im talking?

Thanks!
Click to expand...



Welcome to MFK The 180 gallon would be a better choice because of the length imo. I personally would just add a Catfish excluding Tiger Shovelnose, Redtail Cats or any that will grow over 11/2 feet.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattison187 and GamerChick5567
No to Jag with Oscar that aquarium is way too small for both to cohab peacefully.
 
Backfromthedead said:
Yeah that's the problem with catfish all the good ones get monstrously huge.
Click to expand...
So not true, no no no lol.

180 and go with a drilled 180 with sump, skip the cans especially with O's. What you want is a group of bottom feeders that are skilled at getting all the little bits of food. My first recommendation would be 6-7 5"+ clown loaches. Only problem there is the cost of bigger CLs is a bit staggering. Second would be 8-9 pimelodus pictus with their speed and moderate cover they would be free of any O predation and act like vacuums. Barring those 2 maybe a few sun cats or 4 line pims.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GamerChick5567, Yohanon and tlindsey
180 Gallonn definitely over the 150 tall bc the 180 gives you 24" depth and 6ft Length that's a lot better footprint for cichlids. I would add maybe a Lima shovelnose catfish. Or a school of loaches they clean the bottom up pretty good you can even grow them out in the 75 meanwhile unless Oscars are not that big yet still. For cichlid companions I would recommend other sa cichlids like Severums, geos, chocolates.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tlindsey
Chockful O Phail said:
So not true, no no no lol.

180 and go with a drilled 180 with sump, skip the cans especially with O's. What you want is a group of bottom feeders that are skilled at getting all the little bits of food. My first recommendation would be 6-7 5"+ clown loaches. Only problem there is the cost of bigger CLs is a bit staggering. Second would be 8-9 pimelodus pictus with their speed and moderate cover they would be free of any O predation and act like vacuums. Barring those 2 maybe a few sun cats or 4 line pims.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's exactly what I'm going for I need cleaning type but still attractive bottom feeders I think. You really think the pictus would survive? Are there any other loaches you would recommend? I find the clown loach rather unappealing in appearance lol.
 
Alexxxxsv14 said:
180 Gallonn definitely over the 150 tall bc the 180 gives you 24" depth and 6ft Length that's a lot better footprint for cichlids. I would add maybe a Lima shovelnose catfish. Or a school of loaches they clean the bottom up pretty good you can even grow them out in the 75 meanwhile unless Oscars are not that big yet still. For cichlid companions I would recommend other sa cichlids like Severums, geos, chocolates.
Click to expand...

I love the lima. Ive never even looked at those. Would one fit in either the 150 tall or the 180? Or just the 180? Seeing as they're both 24" wide.

What's your filter set up look like for a tank like this?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom