Info on Oscar tank

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I acquired a second hand tank which I would like to use to house a single oscar.  The tank is roughly 35 US Gallons.  I plan to use a Fluval 205 or Eheim 2231 canister filter together with an Aquah20 AFT-600 or Aquah20 AFT-1500 internal BioChemical filter.  Please advise whether this setup will be okay.  Please assist in providing information on how to get rid of the white residue that forms on the inside glass of a used tank.

ANSWER: Hi Munaaf

A Fluval 205 or Fluval 305 would be perfect for an Oscar tank. You don't want to use an internal filter in an Oscar tank because one, they don't provide adequate filtration and two, when your Oscar is large enough, he may destroy it. Oscars frequently move things around in their tanks when they are large enough and strong enough to do so. I had to secure the heaters in my Oscar tanks behind large rocks that the Oscars can't get to because many times I've found them laying on the bottom of the tanks. So you don't want anything internal that can be damaged, and especially nothing electric that may shock or kill the fish if he gets a hold of it.

As for the white residue, it should come clean using vinegar and water. Make sure you rinse it well with clean water after washing it with the vinegar. Don't use any soap or other cleansers that can leave behind a residue.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Richard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Richard, Thanks for the information, what type of substrate and decoration should I use for the Oscar tank.  Also comment on use of clay pots.

Answer
Oscars like to redecorate their tanks. It's best to use large rocks that he cannot move or pick up. Anything that is heavy, but not too heavy for him to move may break the bottom of your tank when he tosses it around. And he may not do this at first, but as he gets larger, he will.

In all my Cichlid tanks, I use Super Naturals in both Tahitian Moon Sand which is a black color, and also Natural Sand which is a gold - light brown natural color. Both of these are soft and will not harm your Oscar in the event he digs. They are also found at most pet stores for about $20 for 20 lbs. Avoid the typical rock gravel as they can harm your Oscar.

Clay pots are fine as long as they are clean, but for hiding places, it's best to form large caves using rock formations.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Richard