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I currently have an O, 2 blue acaras, 2 firemouths, 1 clown pleco(like a dwarf, not an 18 inch monster), and a parrot cichlid, in a 55 gallon.  I am going to get a nice 40 gallon for all the fish but the O, he gets the 55.  Would this be enough tank, space and waste dilution, for these fish?

samanthia wrote:I currently have an O, 2 blue acaras, 2 firemouths, 1 clown pleco(like a dwarf, not an 18 inch monster), and a parrot cichlid, in a 55 gallon.  I am going to get a nice 40 gallon for all the fish but the O, he gets the 55.  Would this be enough tank, space and waste dilution, for these fish?

I'll tell you the single Oscar in the 55 is OK; everyone else here will tell you "no way!!" ----We've been having this debate for years now and noone has relented! However, I think with careful feeding and maintenance, the single O in the 55 will work. I'm unaquainted with the Pulchers (Blue Acara) and the Parrot, so I don't think I'm qualified to have an opinion on the 40[ however, it seems a bit of a stretch to me!  --Mark

I'll tell you the single Oscar in the 55 is OK; everyone else here will tell you "no way!!"

Not everyone 
I'll agree with Mark on that, just as long as maintaince and the fish's mobility aren't an issue.



The others in a 40 gallon IMO will not work long term.
2 blue acaras that will get 6-8"
2 firemouths that will get 5-6"
a parrot that will get around 8"
  will more then likely end up to much cichlid attitude for a 40 gallon

And not to mention that 2 inch pleco that's going to be somebody's dinner one day

Everyone???

Not me Mark, while I would never recommend a beginner to have a pair in 55 gallon, I know first hand an
experienced fishkeeper can keep two O's in 55. For Samantha, one should not be an issue.