what is the best scavenger fish for a 55 gallon aquarium w/ two oscars and pacus?

Question

Is there some sort of fish or crab what will clean up the left overs in my tank. I'm trying to find something that won't grow that fast or big. pleco's would get way too big.

Answer 1

Pete, you're already seriously overstocked. Adding more fish will only make your problems worse. Plus, the oscars and pacus are just going to make a snack out of a snail or shrimp or crab. Just stick to cleaning the substrate yourself with a vacuum or siphon.

Answer 2

You say a pleco would get "way too big" but Oscars can reach a foot long and pacus get even bigger - about 2-3 feet! I assume they are all small now but they won't be for long! Your main focus should be on getting a much bigger aquarium. Eventually, these fish won't be able to turn around or swim normally in your current tank. Siphon out the leftover food daily for now and get a bigger tank ASAP.

Answer 3

Ok I don't know how old your fish are, or your plans for expansion, so I don't know if you are over-stocked, and you havn't asked if you are so (although my fingers are twitching) I will say nothing :)

Now, as you seem to know a common plec will get far too big for your tank (btw what makes you think 2 oscars alone won't ok I'll stop now :)).

I don't know what your filtration is, but I don't think you have room for any more fish in there. Why don't you ask yourself why there are left-overs ? You would appear to be feeding too much.

Remember that all fish add to bio-load; it's a zero-sum game :) So if you put in a clean-up crew, you still have to deal
with their waste, which will lead to ammonia issues, which is your current problem - just a different form of waste.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

There are some smaller plecos you could use, but they are rather expensive. A Gold Nugget pleco get only 6 inches. A Banded Peckoltia averages 4 inches.

Answer 5

try looking at some in the pet store