Oscar tank and filtration

[Lenny]

I'm getting a new tank for my two oscars. First of all, do you guys think a 125g will be big enough? And what do you think of All-Glass tanks? (They seem to be the only thing available.)
Secondly, what kind of filtration system should I use? I know wet/dry's the best. But I have no idea what to buy or how to set it up.

I'm actually in desperate situation. Both of my fish have HITH and one of them is looking really bad. I'm treating them with Metronidazole and feeding them liquid multivitamin soaked food. I realize the only way to keep ammonia in control is to get a bigger tank. (currently they live in a 55g.) So, HELP!!

I'll be very thankful for your suggestions.

 

[OscarHook]

i was also in your situation with 2 Oscars in a 55g, and yes a 125g will do fine. You will probably be able to get a few more fish to put with them also. As far as filtration, if you check ebay i think you can still get a few brand new canisters for around $50 plus $25 or so shipping! its a pretty good deal, 2 of them would be great for you, but i am using one right now plus an aqua clear HOB thats rated for a 110g tank. But others here may have a better solution so dont just take my opinion.

 

[hillbilly]

I have several oscars myself. They are the messiest fish known to man! If it were me, I'd get a 125 that was "reef ready" with built in overflows. Then get or make a large wet-dry so you can have tons of mech. and bio filtration. It'll make maint. much easier that using canisters or HOB filters. You'll be glad you did.

 

[DanDanUK]

I'm getting a new tank for my two oscars. First of all, do you guys think a 125g will be big enough? And what do you think of All-Glass tanks? (They seem to be the only thing available.)
Secondly, what kind of filtration system should I use? I know wet/dry's the best. But I have no idea what to buy or how to set it up.

I'm actually in desperate situation. Both of my fish have HITH and one of them is looking really bad. I'm treating them with Metronidazole and feeding them liquid multivitamin soaked food. I realize the only way to keep ammonia in control is to get a bigger tank. (currently they live in a 55g.) So, HELP!!

I'll be very thankful for your suggestions.

Hi Lenny and welcome to MFK

125gallon would be great for 2 Oscars there is a rule of thumb which can help assist you in tank space for Oscars :

Example :

1x Oscar = 75gal
2x Oscars = 100gal
3x Oscars = 125gal
4x Oscars = 150gal

You can see where this is going can't you 25 gal per extra oscar fish.

As for Tanks Glass i belive is better it dosen't scratch as easy as acrylic tanks it's stronger too but hevier.

FILTRATION there are many way's which people choose to filtrate there tanks i prefer canister filtration personally wet/dry is a good ideayou can buy wet/dry canister filters or you could make your own wet/dry filter system but i strongly reccomend you buy i canister you could also looking to buying the latest and greatest filter canister IMO the fluval FX5 i'm a big fan of over filtration and with the FX5 you will get that it's for tanks upto 400gallons i have it on my 180galllon witch houses 2 10-11" Oscars.

HITH (hole in the head) you can go out and buy medication wich will be fine and should clear up your problem in no time, Or you can use marine salt and turn up the temp in your tank simply add 1tablespoon or salt per 2 gallons of water you tank holds so if you have a 20gallon tank add 10tablespoons of salt turn your tank temp up to around 80* and leave it for around 12 days doing your weekly water changes but only change say 10-20% of the water.

If there's anything i've missed out let me know or if you have any more question i'm here.

 

[Lenny]

Thank you all for replying!

Where can I find articles/instructions about making my own wet/dry filter? I thought wet/dry filters are bio filters. Are there add-ons to make them mechanical also? If I decide to get wet dry, should I use HOB in addition?

Sorry, too many questions. Thanks again!

 

[DanDanUK]

Thank you all for replying!

Where can I find articles/instructions about making my own wet/dry filter? I thought wet/dry filters are bio filters. Are there add-ons to make them mechanical also? If I decide to get wet dry, should I use HOB in addition?

Sorry, too many questions. Thanks again!

Here mate check out this info WET/DRY

Also ask Rallysman he's got a real nice wet/dry set up i think he's also got some pic's and info on how he made his ... i think so.

 

[Lenny]

Here mate check out this info WET/DRY

Also ask Rallysman he's got a real nice wet/dry set up i think he's also got some pic's and info on how he made his ... i think so.

I looked into the Fluval FX5, and it's amazing. I am definitely ordering it. So thank you very much!

When you said the HITH should clear up in no time, did you mean days? It's the 3rd day now, I'm just not sure if the holes got smaller or bigger, less or more. Besides the holes, my tiger oscar is loosing some scale. Do you think that's something else or part of HITH? Thanks again.

 

[sour_girl]

Welcome to MFK, the best site in the world.. I'm glad you decided to upgrade, you wont regret it.. good luck w/your oscars.

 

[ewurm]

I looked into the Fluval FX5, and it's amazing. I am definitely ordering it. So thank you very much!

When you said the HITH should clear up in no time, did you mean days? It's the 3rd day now, I'm just not sure if the holes got smaller or bigger, less or more. Besides the holes, my tiger oscar is loosing some scale. Do you think that's something else or part of HITH? Thanks again.

HITH takes a while. In the mean time, feed a variety of foods. Start with Omega One medium Pellets. They use the best ingredients hands down. Make that your staple, and also include Krill, Veggies, Bloodworms, etc. Nutrition is the key to preventing HITH.

 

[DanDanUK]

I looked into the Fluval FX5, and it's amazing. I am definitely ordering it. So thank you very much!

When you said the HITH should clear up in no time, did you mean days? It's the 3rd day now, I'm just not sure if the holes got smaller or bigger, less or more. Besides the holes, my tiger oscar is loosing some scale. Do you think that's something else or part of HITH? Thanks again.

no it dosen't just clear up over a few days when my oscars have had it in the past it took upto 2 weeks if not less to clear up but as ewurm said diet is a good way for your fish to get the correct vitamins to help it fight any infection.