My Latest Purchase

[DirtyDawg10]

Well I broke down and bought a larger tank. It is a 75 gal. and my options are wide open as to what to do with it. I have always wanted an Oscar but if I can only put one fish into a 75 I don't think that is what I really want. Could I put anything else in a 75 with an Oscar? If not I think I would like to have some other type of large cichlid. Any suggestions? Here is a pic...



Oh...and it is a used tank. I just found it a bit strange that the tank has no center support. The glass is very thick at nearly 1/2" thick...is it normal to not have a center support when the glass is that thick?

It will be a while before I put anything into the tank as I have some thinking and planning to do as well as some cleaning. I need to purchase filters, heaters, gravel and most likely new lights and glass tops. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

Does anyone know of a good book on caring for cichlids?

[OrionGirl]

Sounds like an older tanks. You should examine the top band and confirm that the center brace has never been there, but with older tanks and thicker glass, the center braces weren't used. I had a 50 breeder that was the same way--great tank, was sorry to get rid of it.

I wouldn't put anything other than a larger bottom dweller in with an oscar in a 75, sorry. The oscars just produce so much waste, and I've seen way too many that end up stunted or with HLLE when kept in with other fish--and anything big enough to avoid being a snack contributes a LOT of waste. That's going to be true with any of the cichlids that get to about the same size as the oscars, though.

Oh, and YAY! on getting the new toy!

[mostlycichlids]

If you choose an Oscar it would limit you to just him or him and a bottom dweller as OG stated. There are plenty of other options in a 75 gallon if you are looking to get SA/CA cichlids. For example you could do Serevums which have similar temperment and and spirit. If you want 2 or more fish there are plenty of colorful cichlids that get 4-6 inches like convicts or firemouths as well as many other smaller or dwarf cichlids. It would be well worth just getting the one Oscar as they are very smart fish and you can become very attached to them. They are like dogs in a sense and a very cool cichlid...one of my favorites by far.

[DirtyDawg10]

Thanks OG...I'm still in shock that I have such a large tank now. I have checked the top and there is no sign that there ever was a center support. The tank seems to be about 10 years old. Does anyone know what the glass thickness is on a newer 75 gal. tank?

[OrionGirl]

Sorry, no, I don't know the thickness of glass on a new 75.

Oh...And you'll be shocked at how quick that tank starts to look small to you.

[DirtyDawg10]

I think I would be satisfied with an Oscar and a pleco or something like that but I am not comiting to anything yet. Too many options to ponder first. I don't want to jump into anything.

[mostlycichlids]

I think the glass thickness on a new 75 gallon is 5/16inch. The older ones are 7/16 or 1/2 inch.

[DirtyDawg10]

Thanks Paul. I definitely have the thick older glass aquarium. I notice the newer tanks also have a center support under the bottom glass and this one doesn't.

[mostlycichlids]

Originally Posted by DirtyDawg10

Thanks Paul. I definitely have the thick older glass aquarium. I notice the newer tanks also have a center support under the bottom glass and this one doesn't.

I like those older ones better because they dont have that 2 inch support that blocks the light spectrum.

[Rallysman]

a pair of Vieja Fenestratus (or argentea) would be sweet

Personally, I would go with a nice strain of flowerhorn, but some people just can't stand hybrids.

[DirtyDawg10]

My options for cichlids seems wide open. Awww...shucks...I'll have to spend a lot more time at the LFS's in the area shopping for what I might want...

Flowerhorns are definately interesting.

[bencozzy]

ive kept oscars with other good size cichlids before(oscars can be individual so use caution) convicts and firemouths also a few larger ones as well.

good aquascaping and good filtration goes a long way. i ran a wet/dry filter, i could of used more machanical filtration though.

my brother has his oscar with a school of large cories. im not to sure on what else he has in there but..... as you can see you have more options then you might think.

[djlen]

Derek -

You've got an older tank there and if I were you I'd set it up outdoors, fill it 1/2 way, let it sit over night and then fill it up entirely and let it sit a couple of days like that before draining and bringing it inside.
If it's going to leak you want it to leak out there rather than in the house.
Sometimes, tanks just sitting empty for a period of time can cause the
caulking to dry out and this can lead to leaks, so unless you know the history of the of the tank I'd advise using caution with it. 75gals. is a lot of water.


Len

[DirtyDawg10]

Well it's full. I slowly filled it up and checked for leaks as I was filling it. Filled it about 10-15 gallons at a time and let it sit in between. I also measured the deflection of the glass in between each fill to make sure it wasn't excessive. Once the tank was full, the glass only deflected about 1/16" at the top. So far so good. I will probably leave it filled for a couple of days just to be safe.

[Emg]

Nice.....I just saw a 90gallon for sale on Craigs list for 175$ Stand and lid included.......

I don't have anything to haul it with ....

[DirtyDawg10]

Yup...That's where I found this one. 75 gal. with wood stand, hood and 2 48" light fixtures for $150. Looks like I just need a new ballast for the light fixture...or a new light fixture. Not sure how easy it is to change out a ballast.

[bencozzy]

changing a ballast is super easy, they sell good e-ballast that wont need starters at homedepot or lowes a bit more then the el' cheapos but they last much longer.

if its to large to mount in hood you should be able to attach it to the back of your strip light.

[DirtyDawg10]

Thanks for the info Ben...I'll have to check out the Depot the next time I'm in there.

[Corax]

75's make lovely planted tanks, with angels or discus..

[DirtyDawg10]

The tank has been full for about 54 hrs. and no leaks...WoooHooo!!...

I drained the tank and realized that a water change on this tank will be a little bit different than my 10 gal. LOL. Took 30 to 35 minutes to drain the tank with a garden hose. Did some maintenance on the base and added some reinforcing. Still have quite a bit of planning and research to do before I set it up though. Thanks for all the ideas...keep em coming.