Oscars and Front question?

[DeadI]

hope this is the right place to post this, as I am not sure where these are from I have my 55 gall tank set up with africans and I don't feel that is enough, one of these days when I am in my own home and not renting so that I have more room, I am going to set up another 55 gal. And put some big fish in it. I am looking at oscars, and fronts. However do these two fish get along in the same tank or is this a mistake. How fast will they grow and how big I have been told 12-16 inches. But how long will it take. I have a 10 gal tank and would put one front or one oscar in it for a while if they are slow growers, most of the LFS around me sell them at about 2"-4" long.for the oscars and about 3/4" for the fronts.

[MoJo]

Getting along wouldn't be the issue. The water chemistry for both are a little different. The Oscar will tolerate the difference. however from what I have learned the potetial for a problem (health issue) would increase dramatically. Remember that Oscars are prone to HITH disease. While some would say this is simply a water qualtiy issue I have heard others say that incorrect water parameter (ie., pH and hardness) are the culprits. I can't speak for Fronts as I don't have ny experience with them. Stick with one or the other. Lots of pretty Oscars to pick from.

[jonah]

Originally posted by DeadI
How fast will they grow and how big I have been told 12-16 inches. But how long will it take.

My last oscars (several years ago) took a little over a year to reach 14", starting around 2"-3". You might want to consider a 75g instead. They're the same length as a 55g, but with more front to back room.

I think fronts are slower growing, but that might be just in comparison to oscars. I've never kept fronts before so that's just from what I've heard in the past.

[caz]

i just bought a 75 and my 3 year old oscar is much much hapier.

oh yeah, oscars grow wicked fast

[Anubisscott]

I would not do either in a 10g, even for alittle bit. Also, go for the 75. Oscars reach up to 18" and Fronts get to be 15". Their water requirements are also alot different. All Africans like salt in their water, but Americans do not. I would do just one or the other. Oscars have more personality, but Fronts can be in larger groups and are alot more laid back. In a 75 you could have 2 Oscars, but could have up to 8 Fronts as long as you have atleast twice as many females then males. Good luck with wichever you chose