CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

Hi folks. I'm new to your site, came across it when researching cichlids--excellent site here, BTW. [Sorry this is so long.) I've been back into fishkeeping for about 6 months now (well, I had a Betta for over 3 years--he was the only one of the lfs's shipment that lived!), have successfullly done a fishy and a fishless cycle with lots of research. I have a 5g with a betta and an arched cory (looking for a couple three more), 10g with 6 headntail light tetreas, 3 dwarf gouramis, and a mystery snail--frequent pwc keep them quite happy and healthy. The 10g has a 250w Stealth heater (overkill, but I believe in doing things right), Whisper filter (came with), 4-inch stone, live-planted, and a clay pot (Spike's space--#3 G) and resin bridge (least tacky thing at PetSmart). All equipment has been purchased at Wally World thus far, with stock from 2 great LFS.
Here's the question: one of my LFS takes back outgrown fish--a bad habit, but at least they're alive, well-cared for, and may get new homes (I'm a rescuer :dont:--all but 1 of my 4-leggeds are rescues). They have a pair of Oscars, @ 7 inches, a 4-5 inch Jack Dempsey, 3 inch black convict, and two huge channel cats in a 100g right now . I would love to start with "Monsterfishes" now and have been going to this shop alot just getting to know them (huge FH too), and trying to decide what would be best. As a teacher I can't fork out for a 100 or 120g right now, which I figure would be the best for the 2 Oscars? (I also have a mobile home, gak, and concern about weight!!) Going for a 55 or 70g, and I'm leaning toward the Jack Dempsey--makes more sense? Does anyone here have a recommendation? And if the JD, any other tankmates? They have some nice smaller cichlids, the black convicts are nice, and the silver dollars are a good size, @3 inches. Jist wanted to provide as much info as poss so someone might be more able to help. HELP!! In advance, thank you very much. Humbly, Renee

Hi, and welcome! First, you probably already know that those 7" O's will be 10-12" O's within 6 months. The JD won't get quite that large, but he's going to grow also. I'd also have reservations about a 120 in a mobile home (unless you know how to re-inforce the floor). As I think about it, there are fairly inexpensive ways of doing that. A 55 could work for the O's, but I'd try to go for a 75 or 90. Less stress for all concerned. If you stalk the classifieds on some of these forums, check out ads in your supermarket "penny-saver" papers. scan Craig's Lists, etc, you can often pick up a used 75 for very little. Good luck!

Thanks, DanRad, makes good sense. I'm not really too excited about starting with an established pair of mostly grown Oscars or really ready to start shoring up under floors YET; young convicts, maybe the Dempsey (is he still a juvie at 5"?), in a 55 or 75? (will check into the sales). I appreciate your advice as I really want to do my first big tank properly, too!!:D Renee