Howdy all.

I thought I would just share my setup I have running at the moment.

Previously I used to run a 4' tank for my single 12" Oscar (Roy - as in the Big O) with four connected under gravel filters and an Aquaclear 300 external filter. This was a great set up as I had about 3" of gravel on the bottom and although the tank didn't need it I used to give it a good flush once every 18 months or so. Each time I was surprised just how effective the UGF worked. I had Roy for about 5 or 6 years and had set up the Aquaclear 300 to draw from the UGF with three other uprights using airstones.

Currently I have set up and cycled the same tank using just three UGF's and a new internal filter, a Aquanova 1200. I only has at this stage 2 1/2 inches of gravel in the tank but it fairly fine compared to the previous and is working well at present. Instead of the previous 500 litres of air per hour on three UGF uprights I have upgraded my airpump to now push 1000 l/h which is a big improvement. I also have an unfurnished 2' tank which is currently cycling.

As far as tank furniture goes O have a clay fired log, a few pinical feature rocks for fish to shelter behind and a couple of ledges. The ledges are mostlt for freshwater shrimp to shelter under as I found when I had Roy it was a great way to entertain him. He loved to stalk the shrimp, especially at night when they would get game and come out for a look around and to scavenge.

Never had any luck with plants. If Roy didn't destroy them they would die anyhow. Don't have much of a green thumb except for veges.

Anyhow - just thought I'd share my tank setup. I'll be sure to post a photo of two when I get around to it. Only discovered you guys (and gals) today.

I'm pretty excited as I only have 2 more sleeps until I pick up my stock.

Stay tuned for my new 6' setup coming in the next 6 months.



Happy New Year and warm regards


DadMac (Lake Macquarie, NSW Australia).

Hi dadmac. are you saying you aim to have 6 oscars in a 4ft tank for 6 months before moving them to a 6ft tank. I think you will run into problems before your new tanks set up.

i'm excited for your 6' tank set up. yes, oscar
love to uproots plants, either natural or artificial.
but they can not touch all my plants above the tank.
(i am practicing aquaponics)

marcus wrote:


i agree

I'm a member of about 5 forums and I reckon there is a necromancer in all of them. You sure get around. LOL

Yeah, I said to the wife earlier today that I don't think both the 4' and the 2' will cut it until we get the 6' built or purchased. She agreed but in the "don't bug me I'm trying to figure out how to host a blog" kinda way and wasn't really listening to me.

We want to have a go at breeding and wanted to start off with 7 fish however I know that way to many for the two small tank we currently have. I'm hoping that when she see's how fast they are growing in the 4' tank she will let me get the 6' or the materials for the 6' earlier.

I know it will be a squeeze but sometime we just have to jump in the deep end as it would seem. I'm not to worried at his stage. I can get another two tank easily enough but eventually i wold like to have the best 4 in the 6' or even an 8'. I measured the room up today and an 8' would fit in much better but I have to find the right glass. A mate earlier today suggested I speak to a demolition company as they tend to just demolish and not remove the glass from shopfronts and it the commercial 8mm glass I would need.

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate your help.

Warm regards


DadMac