Should I get an Oscar instead?

[Liz Sagara]

I've gotten really discouraged with trying to do a Tanganyika tank. I wanted do do some breeding Shellies ... but things just keep popping up that make that less and less realistic. First... I can't find anyone who sells them online. Secondly, I wanted to do some tank mates but I can't find any they're compatible with that can be in a 55 gallon tank.

So I was thinking ... maybe I want an Oscar. The tank is at 8.2 PH, 545 gph filtration, 80 degrees, sand, rocks and shells.

The one thing I'm concerned about is the size... is it practical or even possible to keep one Oscar with no tank mates in a 55 gallon aquarium with that much filtration? I know all the things I've read say you can but I want opinions of those who own these fascinating fish.

 

[esparonisproud]

i'm no expert, but usually 55 gallons are considered the minimum for an oscar, i think it would work

 

[CLDarnell]

Hi Liz,

Have you looked at Lake Vic species? The are typically a bit smaller and to me, they are at the top of the prettiest Cichlids.

I don't think you'll be satisfied with an Oscar long term Reading your posts, you seem like you would be happier with more than a couple of fish.

You might try a quick Google search for Lake Victorian Cichlids.

http://www.***********.com/images/julian_090509_w0417.jpg

 

[xinchavoc]

oscars get too big for a 55 they get 14'' and grow really fast giving you very little time to upgrade..... so i would not do it......

 

[cichlid_starter]

skip the oscar. If you want lake tang, there are plenty of places online. find one based close to you or post up on the buy/sell thread here that you are looking. Other fish to go with shellies:
lelupi
calvus
compressiceps
julidochromis

I'm not looking these up so spelling will be god awful. good luck!

 

[aclockworkorange]

Liz, that same seller I sent you the email about the apistos is actually an African Cichlid specialist. They have a TON of species.

 

[Liz Sagara]

Yeah unfortunately the shipping is too high for me... 65 dollars... that's a bit much. I won't get an Oscar... I'm just really disheartened with my Tang plan...

 

[cichlid_starter]

lots of lfs and local fish keepers will have them. just do some more digging. joing your local aquarium club if you have one. You'll find them. They are more common than you may think.

 

[CLDarnell]

I haven't been involved in your Tang discussions, so please forgive me if you thought of this already...have your tried an ad in CL? You might find a private breeder in your area.

 

[Liz Sagara]

Yeah... I live in Lubbock Texas. There isn't a club here... and we have... 2 stores. one I will actually patronize and one I refuse to buy anything living at.