2 Oscars in a 40 gallon tank?

[Overmind1632]

I know the recommended guidelines call for like 30-55 gallons per oscar so 2 in a 40 may be pushing it but

if I were to get 2 baby oscars who were bought together from the same tank in the same pet store, would they be able to live a good happy life in a 40 tank together or will they fight?

And if no, how long can I keep them in a 40 gallon before I MUST move to a bigger tank?

Thanks

 

[gilkm]

Frankly, you should not put even one in a 40. Well kept oscars can grow an inch a month, so even if you buy them small, they will outgrow that tank very quickly.

 

[Dynamite]

preferably 75 gallons for 1 maybe 2 pushing it, but unless you are lucky some fighting will happen.

 

[haynchinook334]

Sorry...but, NO!!!

 

[skiptomyzoo]

Whoever told you 30 was wrong on the minimum. 55 is absolute minimum, although there is a debate a 75 would be a much better minimum, as it gives the extra width. I like the 75 idea better for one, so needless to say the 30 is out as a suggestion, and the 40 won't cut it either. For a pair, I think a 125 might do it, and even then there could be conflict.
Sure, you could use the 40 as a growout, although I would just start bigger. However it would work for maybe a few months, my oscar jumped in size from 2-3ish to ten in a few months, and I had another one grow slower (before getting eaten), so there is no set in stone growth rate, other than to say they grow really quick for fish in general.

 

[nolapete]

For maybe about 2 months before they need bigger space. Get a 75.

 

[Irbanjaxed]

i had 2 in a 55 a while ago also you have to remember as awesome as oscars are and granted waterconditions are min. for them they produce alot of waste because there such a dirtyfish ... also 40 is def not enough for one ...55 was a little tight then they were givin to someone with a 125 for a proper home they get bigg quick if you havent herd

 

[HerCrenVie]

I know the recommended guidelines call for like 30-55 gallons per oscar so 2 in a 40 may be pushing it but

if I were to get 2 baby oscars who were bought together from the same tank in the same pet store, would they be able to live a good happy life in a 40 tank together or will they fight?

And if no, how long can I keep them in a 40 gallon before I MUST move to a bigger tank?

Thanks

I don't think you can keep 2 Oscars in a 40 gallon for life. But I'm sure you can keep them in there until they get to 7" or 8", which will take several months if you get them at 2". You don't always have to listen to everything you read on forums. If it works for you, go for it.

 

[Toby_H]

You could start them in a 40 gal, although I would upgrade well before they are 7~8"...

But I discourage this approach, as it is far to common for someone to start the fish in too small of a tank with every intension to upgrade, then life doesn't work out and the upgrade is put off... or doesn't happen at all.

I think you would be far better off getting fish that are suitable long term in the 40 gal... Then when practical, get the bigger tank and get Oscars then.

Just remember, the happier you make your fish the happier they will make you...

 

[bigspizz]

I don't think you can keep 2 Oscars in a 40 gallon for life. But I'm sure you can keep them in there until they get to 7" or 8", which will take several months if you get them at 2". You don't always have to listen to everything you read on forums. If it works for you, go for it.

I agree unequivocally. Also a 40 breeder is 18" wide. Better than a 12.5" wide 55 IMPO. Just keep up on the water changes, and 7-8" in that tank would be nothing, even with two.