New guy wanting to do it right....

[GA_Freak]

I'm new to all of this and I have been offered a 75 gallon tank with 2 aquaclear 110 filters, a heater, etc...

I have filled it. Dechlorinated it. Added "stabilify" as directed.
I have the temp at 80 degrees.
It's been up and running now for a month with 4 danios (i think i spelled that right). Danios went in after 1 week.

Was told at local fish store to add the danios and feed very light and sporadically to help establish the tank.

The tank has gone cloudy, clear, cloudy, clear as it's been cycling. It's remained crystal clear for the past week. I'm guessing from what I've read this will take up to 6 weeks to get cycled. Which is no problem. I don't want to rush, and want to do this the right way.

I've tested today and it's showing my N's and A's at 0 across the board.

I would really like to use this tank to house one Oscar.
Is it time? Should I wait longer?

Are the 2 aquaclear 110's enough filtration?

 

[justarn]

i'd say its ready mate, nice to see someone doing it right from the begining. oscars are prone to a condition called hole in the head which is arguably caused by poor water quality so although oscar are readily available they arnt really best suited to the beginer, you however are in the right place to do it right from the start!-) the filters will be fine while the oscars small but you may need to upgrade as he grows as oscars are very messy only eating around half of what they chew with the rest flying out their gills lol. the best single piece of advice is to keep on top of you water changes, 30 percent a week and maybe up to 50 percent once he has grown, do the change with water that feels niether hot nor cold to touch and you'll do fine. keep your water surface moving and add an airstone if you havent already. good luck and welcome to mfk.

 

[strollo22]

I agree with Justarn except I may add about 5 more danios for a week or so to let the biological media build more beneficial bacteria. Right now, the tank is cycled enough for 4 danios and adding in a messy Oscar may cause a spike in ammonia.

 

[GA_Freak]

Thanks for all the advice! I'm in no hurry. I'll add a couple of more danios and give it some more time. Maybe even another month or so just to be sure.
I've got a pretty good friend that has kept fish for a few years advising me, but it always helps to get as many experienced opinions as possible.
Thank you!

 

[Gill Blue]

if you want to be sure of doing it right, make sure you have a spot for a bigger tank in a year or so. an oscar can easily get too big for a 75.

 

[chefrific]

75 should be okay for one oscar wouldn't you think?

 

[duanes]

In theory a 75 will hold an oscar, but in reality that's kind of like you, having to live your life in a jail cell.
My rule for my fish, is 10 gallons of tank per adult inch of fish (can be more than 1 fish in a proper size tank), and an adult oscar can easily attain 14" or more.
For me a 75 gal is only big enough for an adult fish that reaches 7.5".

 

[GA_Freak]

That's good to know! Thank you! What would be a good cichlid that fits into that 7.5 category? Something with some personality.

 

[DBLN8]

if you want to be sure of doing it right, make sure you have a spot for a bigger tank in a year or so. an oscar can easily get too big for a 75.

Not so, an adult Oscar can live in a 75 gal tank for life. Would a 90 or a 125 be better sure bigger is always better but a 48" x 18" 75 gal is fine for a adult Oscar. A proper water change schedule (mine is 40% twice a week) and proper filtration is the key to keeping your O happy.

Here is my Oscar in his 75 Gal tank. He's 13" long and has lived in this tank for 2 1/2 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UqBk8LwVBI

 

[GA_Freak]

Not so, an adult Oscar can live in a 75 gal tank for life. Would a 90 or a 125 be better sure bigger is always better but a 48" x 18" 75 gal is fine for a adult Oscar. A proper water change schedule (mine is 40% twice a week) and proper filtration is the key to keeping your O happy.

Here is my Oscar in his 75 Gal tank. He's 13" long and has lived in this tank for 2 1/2 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UqBk8LwVBI

What type of filtration are you running on your 75 gallon?