Appropriate for Oscars?

[John H]

I've got 4 PetsMarts in a 60 mile radius around here. 1 of them sells the 125 g 6' tanks (just under $400 w/lights, lids) but the others don't. It all goes by how many sales a particular PetsMart has. So you might check the PetsMarts in neighboring towns/areas. The small PetsMart even goes to the bigger PetsMart for me and picks up 6' tanks and brings it to their (closer to me) store so I don't even have to drive out of my way. They don't mind because they get the sale for their paperwork. I've got one of those 150 g 31" tall tanks and they're a major pain to clean the bottom on. My Clown Loaches are in there because the Loaches keep the bottom spotless-I can't even reach the bottom of it. But-like others said-check around CraigsList.com, etc and you'll eventually find a good deal. Good for you making sure your Oscar has enough room

Someone above told me that Marineland/Aqueon sells the tanks I'm looking for.

Well, I found exactly what I needed. 72x24x24. 180 gallons.

I have to call tommorow, since they're closed Sat-Sun.

 

[crowconor]

those are the wrong simensions my 125 is six feet by 2 by 2

 

[12 Volt Man]

if you have a 6x2x2 tank it is a 180 not a 125

 

[ronin_man]

yup hes right
conversions page ftw !

 

[DISCIPLE]

I don't know where to get a 6x2x2 tank...

My petshops obviously don't have them... craigslist is too much trouble... Craigslist sellers usually live far away from me.

Can anyone recommend me a site that sells customized tanks where I can choose the dimensions I want? Or suggest where to get a prefered tank by oscars..


Please, thanks.

california especially southern california has always has the great deals on the tanks/stand.

 

[Toby_H]

John, I completely agree with the approach that “bigger is better”… but especially in the beginning of this thread you have been mislead as to what Oscars need…

If you look around this site some people feel 55 gal is the smallest acceptable size… others boldly argue they need a 75 minimum… but in your thread this number has been grossly exaggerated.

I have a 4x2x2 120 gal… It houses a pair of Trimac and a pair of Convicts. All fish seem content and water quality is easily kept in check. The fish aren’t “full grown” but my 10” male Trimac has as much mass as my 13” Oscar…

I have a 12"+ Oscar with a few smaller tankmates in a 48x18@13” tall 50 gal tank (although this tank is part of a ‘central system’ which means it shares water with many other tanks, so water quality is a different story). The fish is fine, although I admit she will be happier when I move her.

I have another 12"+ Oscar in a 6’ 125 gal with several tankmates. I trusted to keep my largest Blue Dempsey in this set up for several months. This is an unreplaceable fish that could be sold for $200~300. Obviously I trust the fish are happy and water quality is good to house my prized fish in here.

and most people I know tell me I stock conservatively…

IF you get two Oscars that get along long term (two males rarely get along long term)… then two Oscars in a 4’ 150 will be absolutely fine… and you would have room for a couple smaller fish such as a pair of Cons, a couple Firemouth… or one medium sized Cichlid such as a Severum or Dempsey…

If you get the 5’ 120 Gal you would have about the same stocking options. Between these two I would get the 4’ tank as they are beautiful tanks…

If a 180 is what you want, then by all means get that sucker! But do not feel you must get a 18o gal tank to house Oscars…

You should also be aware that two male Oscars in any sized tank won't appreciate each other. If the tank is big enough they will be able to avoid each other successfully, but I've had males fight/torture other males in a 6' round 300 gal tank... You should be able to peacefully keep 3 females in the same size tank you would barely get away with 2 males...

The rough part is it's nearly impossible to sex young Oscars.