CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

looking for a good cichlid to put with my 3.5inch oscar.....

any good ideas (pictures would be nice too)

NONE. AS you are only getting a 55 gal you can NOT add in others with them, for in a few months, they are going to be big and a 55 wil not adaquatly handle 2 Oscars at 10" each plus other cichlids, also they may eat any slinder cichlids you get. SO if you go and get some, make sure they are not long and slinder..

YOU also asked about a heater for your tank..YES.. you are going to need one..PLUS two filters for a 55 gal tank..this wil ensure great filteration on both sides of the tank..TRY and get some with Bio-wheels..this wil also help keep your tank with good bacteria at all times...

cycling?? have you cycled the tank BEFORE you added in the fish?? this is a great concern for the Oscars as they are very prone to death due to high Ammonia, nitrite, Nitrate.. A Ammonia spike can kil your fish in 24 hr if the tank is not cycled for a good 30 days before you add in any fish..DO U have any test kits????
Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate are VERY important to monitor with Oscars..