Hello everyone,

I'm new to the hobby (and website). I know next to nothing about it as well. I took a 55 gallon tank off a buddy that had to leave for the service. He had 2 baby oscars that came with it.

It looks like from doing a little reading that it may be a bit cramped for them both. They are about 2 inches at most. The tank came with a really crappy aquatech 30-60. I bought some filter media since he didn't have any left.

So I'm trying to figure out what kind of filter I should get. I might upgrade later, but may stay the same size. I would prefer really nice filter, but don't want to waste my money. FX5 seems like it might be a good idea if I upgrade later, but don't want the water to splash out of the tank because it may be that powerful (in the 55). They tank hasn't even been setup in my place for a week yet. New water, filter media (cheap slide in's) new everything. He didn't have it long himself. I know my tank hasn't cycled yet. The 2 babies are loving life though. Very energetic and excited nearly all the time. No signs of stress as of yet. No oxygen source either.....I think I'll need one soon. Heater works, don't need it much in south FL.

Any suggestions would be great,

Chris

Since the filter is not cycled yet, you must make sure to check the water daily, and change when needed. Also look into re homing one of the Oscars.

Hello there.
Welcome to Ofl, the best site there is for people who know next to nothing!
lol. Like Fox said you will need to test your water quite often.
Do you have a liquid test set yet?
You're gonna need one!
And like Fox said, get ready to rehome one O, or get ready to upgrade.
the 55Gl will soon be too small for 2 O's.
I say get that FX5 running and start looking for a 100Gl+ tank.
If you have any specific qustions, fire away!

something like the fluval 405 or Ethiem range would be good enough. If you was buying new and are going to upgrade the tank very soon consider the fx5 or larger Ethiems. even so if you got a 405 and upgraded you could add a second 405 later.

Hi and welcome. I agree the 405 above would be a great filter for your 55 but in the next few months, you are going to need a bigger tank...

as for the cycling there is a wonderful instruction page.
www.oscarfishlover.com/how-to-cycle-a-tank

If you are going to upgrade then get an FX5, or if you are not going to upgrade get a 405 and rehome an oscar

I did the same thing when I got my 2 oscars, 55 gal but soon upgraded. I am personaly not a fan of a canister filter I like sumps or wet drys. I'm in the proccess of building a sump for my 90 imo they have more of a water turnover.

oakvad wrote:



i myself really have no favorite when it comes to filtration however im a firm believer in using the right tool for the right job. on a freshwater tank a sump only really come into its own on tanks of around 200 gallons or more. on a small tank like a 90 your best option is definetly a canister. something that is rated for twice the tank volume. both fluval and eheim make top quality canisters that are more than adequate for this size tank.

oakvad wrote:


the large fluval/ethiems have 3500lph pumps if you put a small pump on a large sump you have achieved less turn over? for a 55g you would need nothing more than a goldfish bowl sized sump it wouldn't make sense to have the trouble to set up.

I'll try and rehome one for now. How about the 405 or fx5 for salt (later on). I know sumps are better. Could a good canister work for that? I would them on ebay for cheap. $149 and $234.

A fluval 405 would be great for your tank, but if you are planning to upgrade the tank in the future go for the FX5