I had (actually, still have cause I haven't sold it yet) a 50 gal rectangular tank. For space considerations and cause I thought they looked cool, I had been wanting a hex tank for some time. I found a 50 gal on craigslist about a month ago. I love the new tank. I may be crazy, but I think the fish like it better too.
In it I have:
1 oscar
1 black convict
2 red tail barbs
1 pleco
I know the barbs are happier because the oscar picks on them a little. It never amounts to much unless he gets them cornered. That's pretty much impossible to do in a hex tank and they scoot away before the oscar gets to them.
I have also noticed my pleco comes out a lot more. It comes out during the day now even, which it never did before.
You are lucky...im getting a NEW 5 gallon hex for my AfricanClawedFrog and a partner in crime!! i personally have never had an oscar or a large hex (or even a hex!!) but im sure everthing will be ok...just make sure you do 30% water changes atleast once a week because trust me clean water means happy fish!! The only think is if the barbs arent big and the oscar is *or grows bigger* they might try and eat the barbs because trust me they are attention wanting fish!! and they stay hungry!! just make sure the barbies have a place to hide and all shall be well!! BTW: one time an oscar at the petstore almost jumped out of the water thinking he was going to be fed!! he didnt...he just jumped and went back in!!! hope this helps you!!
HMM... That awsome to hear sounds like a kool tank! But I would Agrea with the oscar eating. I never wanted one but my freind's dad had 2 big ones REALY BIG!!! And they ate good sised goldfish so keep a close eye one your oscar.
P.s What tipe of barbs do you have? I would buy some but they wouldn't like my angel fish.
*Slaping my self in the for head* I need to read the wole msg next time! lol
Nice! I started keeping fish because I recieved a hex tank, a pleco (which I still have), and some goldfish (died :( ) from a beginner aquariumist (did I make that word up?) who could not keep them anymore.