I just bought a 150 gal tank which I setup from 55 gal. I used all the filters, gravel, and some water so I'm ready for fish. 1 Oscar 12 inches long. My question is what should I use in the tank to make it look realistic to his natural surroundings.

The last tank had plastic plants which he loved to uproot. Plan on using them again. But, this tank is huge and I want to make it dramatic.

Any suggestions?

welcome to the site

If you want to make your tank look authentic then you can't go wrong with some really nice wood some large pieces of rock. in my opinion, fake plants just like crap, I've got a couple in my tank that I've been meaning to remove because they obviously never grow roots and are easy to uproot and just end up looking a mess.You also may want to consider a dark background, this will give depth to your tank.

I'm sure some of our other members will chime in with some good advice for you as well

Thanks for the welcome. Question about wood. Wouldnt it dirty the tank?
Ive seen some in other pictures, they do look good but I was concern about the crap coming off of or stuff growing on it?

The Oscar is dirty enough.

Hello and welcome!
My fish seem to like the huge piece of wood I put in my tank..
It keeps the fish from seeing eachother all the time and keeps aggression levels down.
I got some hanging fake plants, to provide some shelter and during WC most fish hide in that corner.
My background is DIY with a rock-look.
Just to show my Oscars home:



I'm sure you'll get some good ideas on this site!
Please keep us posted on your planning and progress!
Good luck!

WOW! Noddy, Awesome looking tank! Gives me some great ideas. I did find a big peice of driftwood by the lake where I shoot wildlife. Could cut it down and screw a piece of rock to the bottom to hold it in place. Hmmmm! Maybe a plan. Ol' Thor wouold have a hard time getting that up.

Well, thank you, my fish seem to like it!lol
I'm not sure you can use any kind of wood!
Or to state it the other way around,I'm sure you can't use all kinds of wood.
I think some wood can alter your pH or harm the fish if it's not treated properly.
Surely someone else can fill you in on the subject.

That's what I thought. Just can't seem to spend $50.00 for a piece of wood at the fish store. It looks like regular driftwood, but when I go to try to talk to someone for help, they all seem to scatter.

I found my wood at a second hand site and got it in my hometown!
Found this little bit of info as well:
www.oscarfishlover.com/component/content...e-aquarium-driftwood

Where I live the large fish-fair/expositions have retail wood for sale and they sell the huge pieces as well.
But that's only once a year...
I love a good fish-fair!
See you around.

Please don't just put any old wood in your tank, the chances are it will just start rotting which won't be very good.You're much better off spending a little bit of money on some properly prepared wood that will be safe for your tank

OFL wrote:


Unless of corse you know something about wood.

If you can get a hardwood that has been sitting in water for a decent period of time, then it will be seasoned enough for your tank - the same with driftwood out of the ocean.

Just be careful to boil the wood for an hour or so to get rid of any nasties

I found some rocks in the woods, scrubbed them off real good, boiled them and wrapped in tinfoil and baked them at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Everything's good. But afterwards I read that you can use vinegar, pour over rocks and if it fizzes-dont put in tank! However, you may wanna look that up as I might have gotten it switched around.

Thanks for all the advice. This is a nice website with alot of information.
I'm a little leary of rocks, My Oscar has spurts of aggression and seems to slice himself on the rocks I do have in the tank. That and along with my filters and heaters. He really seems to beat himself up. I live close to Lake Superior and some of the rocks here are awesome. But they have sharp edges which is sure to slice my fish.

Real plants are a waise of money. I don't really mind replacing the plastic ones after his re-decorating.

I like the wood idea. I've been searching the waterways for the right one. So far, nothing but soft rotting logs that is surly to be a big mess.

The search continues....