Stock TYPE request

[64coupe]

I have a 90 gallon (48x18x22?) tank that I am building the stand and canopy for. My original plan was to do a cichlid tank. As I learned more, I decided to do a Malawi cichlid tank. The more I research though, the more I am undecided. Lately, I am leaning towards getting an Oscar with a few tankmates - namely my 16" Pleco and....?

I am kind of at a stopping point with the build because the substrate, plants, decoration, filtering, and lighting all depend on the fish that will go in. All that I have really decided is that it will be freshwater.

I know that everyone has their favorites. Please give me your stocking type and why you suggest it - i.e Oscars for their personality, eels because they're exotic, whatever... I have even considered a vivarium, so anything goes.

I know that a 90 is not monster, but the members here seem to be varied and knowledgeable. One tank requirement - the tank will be visible from three sides.

Thanks in advance for your advice... Again, I am not looking for specific stocking list, but types of tanks and why you think they are the best.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

Go saltwater and go with a community of 2 or 3 small Echidna morays...very interesting fish at feeding time and get they seem to get attention from non-fishkeepers.

 

[zippo300z]

I have a 6" Oscar with a 4" blood parrot. Combo works fine for me. Neither one is aggressive. Both have tons of personality and like to beg for food. The BP also does a great job cleaning up after my oscars mess also. I'd rehome the pleco though...I can't stand the long strings poo!!

 

[Wiggles92]

I have a 90 gallon (48x18x22?) tank that I am building the stand and canopy for.

Dimensions are 48" x 18" x 24" for a 90 gallon aquarium and 48" x 18" x 21" for a 75 gallon aquarium; I figured that I would list both since your estimate on the height was in between the two.

My original plan was to do a cichlid tank. As I learned more, I decided to do a Malawi cichlid tank. The more I research though, the more I am undecided. Lately, I am leaning towards getting an Oscar with a few tankmates - namely my 16" Pleco and....?

I am kind of at a stopping point with the build because the substrate, plants, decoration, filtering, and lighting all depend on the fish that will go in. All that I have really decided is that it will be freshwater.

I know that everyone has their favorites. Please give me your stocking type and why you suggest it - i.e Oscars for their personality, eels because they're exotic, whatever... I have even considered a vivarium, so anything goes.

I know that a 90 is not monster, but the members here seem to be varied and knowledgeable. One tank requirement - the tank will be visible from three sides.

Thanks in advance for your advice... Again, I am not looking for specific stocking list, but types of tanks and why you think they are the best.

First question: What's the pleco in now?

 

[nicholasdances]

I'd do a few cool bichir with a school of clown loach!

 

[Redearsunfish]

It's such a personal taste kind of thing, but if i had to suggest:

1. Saltwater as was mentioned above - but i'd do a miniatus grouper.
2. Freshwater planted - java fern - driftwood, rocks, loaches, albino or red tailed shark, school of tetras

The fish you mentioned? They only pleco i'd go for these days would be a fancy variety, simply because i'd need a payoff for their massive poop outputs. And an Oscar. I kept one for 9 years, and they are great fish, but they too poop like its going out of style and tend to tear up their tanks. Not to mention keeping them healthy.

 

[64coupe]

Cichaholics Anon - Salt water is one of the few tank types I have ruled out. Fish and the equipment cost too much for me.

Zippo300z - The personality of the Oscars definitely intrigues me. It is my current inclination. Unfortunately, the pleco is in a 55. I just measured and he is about 13" long. He started out in my daughters' goldfish tank, but out grew it. He is about 3 years old. Now, he is out growing my tank. So, it's time for a bigger tank or a new home for the pleco. (Any MFK's in Louisville want a big pleco?)

Wiggles92 - Its a 90. The tank is out in my shop, so I didn't measure. Hence the "?" after the height.

Nicholasdances - I have thought about bichirs. If I keep the pleco, I doubt he would be a good tank mate. If I rehome the pleco, a bichir is in the running.

Redearsunfish - I love planted tanks, but am afraid of the extra maintenance.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[rickjames]

Bichirs- death roll
knives- can swim backwords
gt- looks
midas- looks/personality
Loaches- looks/personalities