planning on new tank

[legobrik]

is any one familiar with the book tropical freshwater aquarium fish? in the back it has ideas on different tank setups. i wanted to ask you guys a couple questions. first how many gallons is a tank with the dimensions 128*32*28 inches. second my local petco peeps tell me oscars are violent. i have tested this theory with my finger and learned it to be true. this book says to put in the tank for large fish
1. one pair of Orange pike Chichlids
2. eight oscars
3. three plecos(wont the oscars eat them)
4. twelve redhook silver dollars(wont the oscars attack them)
5. thick layer of fine gravel substrate(whats that)
6. large elongated roots(what are they)
7. large stone slabs(where would you get them)
also how big would an oscar grow. i dont want to buy full grown 16inch ones for 200$$. i really appreciate the help:)

[betaboi]

That size a tank would be just under 500 U.S. gallons (496 gallons).

Oscars are indeed violent but so are the pikes which BTW, get to around a foot when fully grown.

also how big would an oscar grow. i dont want to buy full grown 16inch ones for 200$$.

You just answered your own question here. :D They get to around 12 to 16". $200??? Usually around 20 to $60....Unless they are more difficult to find in your area?

The silver dollars get to around 5-6" each so it would depend on how big the school is whether or not the oscar would attack them...

5. thick layer of fine gravel substrate

Don't get fine stuff, pea sized gravel should be okay. If it's too small teh oscars migth end up kicking it up too easily.

3. three plecos

You'd have to get full-grown ones but if so, no the oscar shouldn't get too mean with them.

6. large elongated roots

They do look nice but are usually a little more difficult to find than driftwood. Either-or would be nice additions. The roots tend to do a better job of making the water more acidic (a good thing in your case).

7. large stone slabs

These would probably just eb used as hideaways for the plecos but are still a nice scenic additon. Your LFS or pet store should carry slate, lava rock, petrified wood etc. Usually charged by the pound.

[legobrik]

what i meant to say was how long does it take for the oscars to grow. also thank you so much for the help i know you must have done a lot of research.

[betaboi]

I'd imagine it would take them about 2-3 years to be full-grown (12-16").

[AngelMom]

BUT - if you keep them in a smaller tank for more than a few months, their growth will be stunted. This includes deformation of the skeletal structure and the organs.

[legobrik]

how big of a tank would 2 need

[AngelMom]

Two oscars? No less than 55 gallons. 75 or larger would be preferred.

[betaboi]

IMO 75 gallons is the very LEAST for two oscars, 55 is the very LEAST for one. But that's just my opinion. ;)