OK Lildunn, let's see what we can suggest. A 40 gallon is only barely big enough for a single Oscar, so let's forget that one as well (even though they are cute when small and beg to be fed all the time!).lildunn34 wrote:ok, i wont get a bala shark but i herd that pl*cos and oscars are a good match and before i had this pl*co i had an oscar that was like 8 inch but did because i didnt know how to clean the tank correctly. Tell me names of fishes that are compatible with my pl*co in a 40 gal tank that i can get at petsmart. I didnt have a thing over the filter i dont even know what its called.
What are you able to feed your fish?
How often are you able to change part of the water?
What reading material have you got? (there a fairly new book by a guy called David Burochowitz about how to look after an aquarium, I think it looks pretty good, might be worthwhile you buying this before getting any new fish).
Are you sure there aren't any proper aquarium shops near you? Try the telephone directory, see if you can find one that is within travelling distance.
Talking Catfish are pretty fish, won't outgrow a 40 gallon and will live with a Pleco OK. You should be able to read about these elsewhere on Planet Catfish.
Some Cichlids are fairly peaceful and don't grow that big. Keyhole Cichlids are nice fish and won't beat up any of your other fish. In a 40 gallon you could start off with five youngsters and wait to see if you get a pair.
Maybe some Corydoras catfish, a small group as they don't like being in ones and twos.
Then some Tetras, doesn't really matter which. Emperor tetras are active and peaceful, as an example. You should be able to find all these fish at a Petsmart type place, but it'd be better if you write down a list of all the fish you like on your next visit and then people could maybe point you in the right direction.
Pete