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I have a pair of baby oscars and I need to get a bottomfeeder, not for algea, just the pieces of food that the messy oscars leave behind in the gravel. Don't ask me for the tank size right now, because they are in a 20, but only 2 inches. In a couple of weeks they are getting upgraded and size isn't an issue. I will be putting them into a 55, and whatever some of you think, it has worked for me and many others that I know before. I am not lazy when it comes to maintaining water quality, so all I need to know is the best suitable bottom feeder compatible with oscars. In addition to this, preferrably something non-pleco.

Thanks

I would go with some type of botia (botia modesta would probably be best). I know it's not a catfish but mine do a great job with my Oscar.

Maybe even a Pictus or Raphael, although they don't clean all that well?

I know pictus don't do well, I've had them with some oscars before, and they just got overly aggressive come feeding time. Are the Rapheals similar to the pictus in activity? I was looking at those because of their unique coloration, but was afraid that they wouldn't do a very good job.

Anything they can't swallow will be ideal. You might want to think about getting a rather large catfish, as they seem to grow slowly compared to Oscars in my experience. Your Oscars will try to eat anything they think they can fit in their mouth - so having a cat to large to swallow should be your main criteria.

I got some small Bristle Noses about 3 years ago. They are still far to small for my Oscars, although they do an excellent job in the tank with my Clown Loaches and Brasiliensis. I know some other Oscar owners with bigger BN's, and they seem to be an ideal match in both temperament and eating capacity.

Last edited by jester_fu at 06-Jan-2006 02:16

I have had a Brown Bullhead Catfish, Albino Channel Cat, and 2 Pictus Cats in with 5 Oscars and have never had a problem with any of them. Due to the size of the fish I have had to thin them out into other tanks to maintain optimal water conditions, but thats all.

I had a Synodontis eurupterous with my oscar and they got along GREAT. Often saw the syno hanging out upside down under my oscar and even sometimes they would lay next to each other.

Racso hit the nail on the head, I have a lace cat in with my oscar and the get along great...mine likes to clean my oscar's belly, the oscar I believe likes it...he will just sit there and take it.

Last edited by Clown_Loach86 at 06-Jan-2006 16:19

" it has worked for me and many others that I know before"

So what happened to the oscars you had in a 55 previously?

I have 2 5" oscars in a 60 with a 6" plec and im finding it pritty hard to keep the water peramiters stable they are getting upgraded to a 110 with in the next few weeks. But if it has worked for you befor could you give me some tips as to how you keep the the peramaters in the tank correct?

im not having a go im just curious

thanks

So what happened to the oscars you had in a 55 previously?

my guess is that they did not reach their full grown potential. The bottom line is that 2 or more full grown oscars in a 55 along with a bottom feeder that will grow large enough to not be eaten would just be, well, sad. I've seen 1 full grown adult oscar in a 55 gallon tank with other fish and it was just pitifull. The oscar was pretty much stationary because it had so little room to move around.

if you want to keep bottom feeders with your oscars, then there have been some really good recommendations. personally I'd go for either the Syno. eupterus or a raphael catfish. These fish would be fine in a 55 gallon for probably up to 2 years, but after that they will need a larger tank.

Last edited by jason_r_s at 14-Jan-2006 02:52