The Oscar Tank

In this section I will talk about the oscar tank and how it should be set up.   If you have an oscar tank improperly set up it could result in you fish suffering or even death.  So when setting up an oscar aquarium or an aquarium for other large cichlids be sure to follow my guidelines.

The first thing you need to decide is if you want plants or not.  Most oscars don't prefer plants but if you want them it is best to use artificial plants.   I use plants and my oscars don't usually bother them.  Except for the occasional attacking the plants game they play in which they both get a swimming start and charge at this one plant, and bite it.  Now if you decided to use plants then you should set them up before you put in the gravel or sand, by siliconing them in place.   Make sure you let them dry for at least 48 hrs.  Before adding anything else.

Next you will need to add your gravel or sand.  Now sand looks better and is more natural, but gravel is easier to clean because it won't get sucked up by your siphon.  I prefer to use gravel but I do like the way sand looks.  This is all up to you.  You should make the gravel in the back of the tank higher and slant it down to the front.  This will add depth and looks a lot nicer too.

Now you will need to add your rocks or wood.  When stacking rocks make sure they won't fall, this could stress the glass and make it crack.  Test your rocks with a little vinegar if it bubbles don't use the rock.  In an oscar tank you can use just one large rock in the center and the fish will feel safe, but most aquarists like to make their tank look nice.  But then again this is all up to you.  I would advise using rocks over plants.  Wood should be soaked in water for several weeks until the water stops turing an amber color you should change the water everyday.   Then it should be boiled for about 20 minutes.

You will probally need a heater unless your home stays at a constant tempature all year around.  About 78 degrees is good.  If you have a submersible heater make sure it is firmly in place in case you oscar(s) decide to play with it.   It could crack and electricute your fish.

Everything else is up to you just be sure to make intelligent choices on what you put in your tank.  If you follow my rules everything should be fine and nothing in your tank should harm your oscars.

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