Oscar Questions(lighting, substrate)

[Caesar The Blue]

I read that they like dim lighting. What is best light source for them then?
Usually I use LED lights or florescent. I'm assuming those would be considered too bright for them?
And is it okay to use Pool Filter Sand with them ?

I got my tank today for my oscar, working on setting it up.


~And are they known to jump out of their tank?

 

[kcrandall758]

I use florescent lighting, and pool filter sand. they're both big, happy guys.

as far as jumping...I had one that did jump, but only when it was feeding time. I would put whatever it was in my hand that I was feeding (pellets, etc) right above the water, 1-2 inches, and he would grab it out of my hand.

 

[Caesar The Blue]

Okay, cool thanks

I'm asking about if they jump because I was wondering if I need a full hood lid, or if I can just put the lights(which I've found is easier, and I like a lot more than the full hood).

 

[kcrandall758]

I have full lids on mine, because in my 75 I have a tire track eel (that I've read are notorious for escaping) and on my 125 because my pacu like to come up to the top and splash all over the place

 

[Caesar The Blue]

Well, the Oscar I'm going to get will probably just be a little guy.
I guess I'll just have to try it out with out a lid and hope he doesn't decide to jump to his death. :/

 

[BellycrawlerJaws]

Versa tops

 

[Caesar The Blue]

Are those needed?
Another thing is I got my tank for free from a friend, she had a lizard in it...and the heat lamp kind of melted the middle part of the tank. Not sure I can fit a lid on it with out the lid fitting it weird.

 

[OscarMan0315]

Are those needed?
Another thing is I got my tank for free from a friend, she had a lizard in it...and the heat lamp kind of melted the middle part of the tank. Not sure I can fit a lid on it with out the lid fitting it weird.

Make sure you water test that tank before setting it up in your house. And you will need tops for the tank if it doesnt leak because the oscar could and will jump. If the light gets wet it could ruin the light.

 

[Caesar The Blue]

Make sure you water test that tank before setting it up in your house. And you will need tops for the tank if it doesnt leak because the oscar could and will jump. If the light gets wet it could ruin the light.

I resealed the tank with aquarium silicone stuff for leaks and what not. It was a fish tank when she got it off Craiglist. She had the lizard in it for maybe 5 months. And it was just a bearded dragon, so he never dug or could have messed up the silicone in it.
It's just the middle part that is messed up...not sure what to call it? like the bridge that connects the top...?


Okay, so they do jump out of the tank sometimes? I'll be getting the versa tops then I guess.
Will the versa tops work with a HOB filter?

 

[OscarMan0315]

I resealed the tank with aquarium silicone stuff for leaks and what not. It was a fish tank when she got it off Craiglist. She had the lizard in it for maybe 5 months. And it was just a bearded dragon, so he never dug or could have messed up the silicone in it.
Okay, so they do jump out of the tank sometimes? I'll be getting the versa tops then I guess.
Will the versa tops work with a HOB filter?

It's just the middle part that is messed up...not sure what to call it? like the bridge that connects the top...?
Even if she only had a dragon in it, the heat lamp could have messed up the silicone. The middle part is the center brace. And yes oscars will jump and im sure versa tops will work with the HOB filter..