New to large fish...
- Thread starter Adoinc
- Start date
Ok, I'm sorry... I am just about the worst decision maker when it comes to fish.
I know I don't want Bichirs or the Giant Doradid recommended to me. The first one is ugly (sorry Bichir lovers) and the second one will outgrow my tank. I was told SD's can trigger an attack response in Oscars and I don't want that. I feel like such a Noob. Anyways, I'm looking for fish that originate in slow-medium flowing rivers with lots of wood and rocks that are large enough not to be eaten by the Oscar. Any catfish is welcome, just not too big, and not too nocturnal and shy.
Oscar- Originates in slow slightly deep rivers with large layers of sand and lots of wood; sometimes large rocks and small amounts of vegetation.
Sailfin- Calm, slow-moving parts. South America; the Rio Pacaya in Peru. These fish are found in large groups that move slowly across the riverbed.
That is why I thought of Flagtail Prochilodus would be great, because of same habitat requirements, but I don't know anymore. I am not looking for another pleco or a fish that will bother the pleco, if you have any ideas they would be greatly appreciated.
Any fish that closely matches ^^^ habitat is welcome. Thanks in advance! - Tristan
I know I don't want Bichirs or the Giant Doradid recommended to me. The first one is ugly (sorry Bichir lovers) and the second one will outgrow my tank. I was told SD's can trigger an attack response in Oscars and I don't want that. I feel like such a Noob. Anyways, I'm looking for fish that originate in slow-medium flowing rivers with lots of wood and rocks that are large enough not to be eaten by the Oscar. Any catfish is welcome, just not too big, and not too nocturnal and shy.Oscar- Originates in slow slightly deep rivers with large layers of sand and lots of wood; sometimes large rocks and small amounts of vegetation.
Sailfin- Calm, slow-moving parts. South America; the Rio Pacaya in Peru. These fish are found in large groups that move slowly across the riverbed.
That is why I thought of Flagtail Prochilodus would be great, because of same habitat requirements, but I don't know anymore. I am not looking for another pleco or a fish that will bother the pleco, if you have any ideas they would be greatly appreciated.
Any fish that closely matches ^^^ habitat is welcome. Thanks in advance! - Tristan
If only I could figure out how to close a thread. Thanks everyone for your help! No more replies are necessary but if you have something important after this feel free to reply. I might still read it.
Yes your understanding of filtration is correct, and your tank is well filtered. What you are missing I think is that nitrates are removed via water changes. Nitrates are the end product of an efficient, mature biological filter doing its job. Prolonged exposure to high nitrate levels are a severe health hazard to any cichlid, and more so than most for an Oscar. A Sailfin pleco is one of the heaviest bio load fish you can keep. Oscar is up there as well. I have the same tank as you, 2 adult Oscars and a foot long Sailfin plec. The plec makes more mess than both Oscars combined. I do twice weekly water changes of 60-75% per change just to keep nitrates at a less harmful level.
suprd71. You have helped me the most out of anyone. I will keep one oscar, a pleco and do 55% once a week. I will have a lot of duckweed just incase the nitrates get too high. Thank you sooo much!
To determine your water change requirements, test your water often to see how fast nitrates climb. Most trusted test kit is the API liquid. Dont use the strips, not accurate at all. Use a quality conditioner like Seachem Prime or the powder form Safe. Dose the tank for its entire volume, not just new water. Keep nitrates under 20ppm on a consistent basis. Drain, condition, refill.. too easy. Good luck!!
