Do I need a bigger tank??????

[newcichlidlover]

Hello fellow cichlid lovers. I have a question--I have 2 oscars one is about 3" and the other is a little smaller, about 2.5". They are both in a 29 gallon tank, with no other fish. I was wondering is it time to buy that 120 :lol: , or do I still have enough time, maybe a couple months. I definetly know i will need a much bigger tank---just want to know if i need it now.

Also, does anyone have a easier way to feed oscars beef hearts. I recently got some at the LFS, and the guys told me to just drop one in the tank--frozen and all. But it seemed to me that my little oscars cannot put that big cube in their mouths. So what i did is cut the cube into small/medium pieces and feed them the pieces a few at a time. They seemed happy when i gave it to them, but of course i just want to make sure i'm doing it right. And thank you in advance for your replies.

Also, I've noticed that they are fighting alot :evil: , do I need to seperate them or is this just harmless oscar play. Please Somebody Help.

[Rudy]

I will start with the tank size. There are a variety of debates about what size of tank full grown oscars need. I think a 75 will do for 2 however many will disagree. If you don't want to get anything bigger then you should be o.k.

You may have a couple of months to get this however if doing so I would stay away from the beef heart as this is basically like giving your oscar a growth hormone. :shock: Feed them flakes, and pellets sparingly. Maybe once or twice a day.

The fighting may be because of the smaller tank, however just keep an eye on it. They are not large enough to be sexually mature, and may just be playing and scrapping a bit. If it is not to serious don't worry about it. Throw in a couple clay pots for some territory and hiding places.

When you get the bigger tank let me know and I will give instructions on making some cheap oscar food that will grow them like crazy.

[jonah]

Just buy the 120g.

[Poet8102]

I agree with jonah, if you can get the 120 now then do so. It will save you a lot of headaches. But like Rudy said it's no life or death situation unless your oscars just really don't like each other.

[Rex Karr]

I agree with everything Rudy said. And in my oppinion a 75g will work. But as the others said, the bigger the better. And with a larger tank you'll have room for more fish.

Rex

And welcome to the Cichlid Forums!

[newcichlidlover]

Thank You all soooooooo much!!!!!!!!! Rudy, I will let you know when I purchase the bigger tank. And once again, I've said this several times and will continue..........THIS IS THE BEST CICHLID FORUM I'VE EVER SEEN.
-Lisa