So personal experience for people with oscars is what I wanted. Finally saw one at an LFS in town (ok first time I seen a big one, seen lots of little young guys) and really liked the fella. I read something about bare min tank size 90 gallon however have seen on here people with oscars in 55, is this reasonable?? I read that they get very agitated and will attack the sides of the tank possibly even able to break tanks when they get larger? Even if the above isn't true (seemed odd to me) I read they get hole in the head if not kept in massive tanks? Just wondering for when I move so I can plan a tank that would fit an oscar and plus like to learn about them they are cool looking fish.
Oscar Research
- Thread starter polarbear
- Start date
oscars are awsome!! but your question is a can of worms. Do a search on this and end up with a million threads. 55 yes, 55 no. Lots of advice both ways. 75 is better with same basic foot print, little wider. Bigger is always better.
polarbear;2460526; said:
it isn't because of the size of the tank, it is because of the buildup of nitrates not kept in check, which can become a serious problem faster the smaller the tank is. Dietary issues also are invoved with hith
A 55g is a good growout tank for a oscar. But once they reach about 8-9" they will need some more room 75g should be the minimum.
A 75 or 90 would be great for a single oscar. My oscar loves her 75, nitrates are just right by 60% water changes weekly. My nitrates just reach 20ppm by water change day. For a full grown male, a 90 would probably be better unless you change the water more than I do.
One thing I don't like about it is that it seems cruel to keep a fish by itself without company but it's caretaker.
One thing I don't like about it is that it seems cruel to keep a fish by itself without company but it's caretaker.
a 55gal is fine for a grow out tank for them. HITH can be prevented but, Varying the diet, clean water, ect common fish care. a 90 will do for life, but Being a MFK, you want the Largest living area as possible. I had "O's" race from side to side of the tank to bite your nose off, but i think they do that cause ther are bored.
Interesting. Like I say this is mostly just learning stuff about the fish not buying one soon although I will have to one day. How long does it take to grow from a wee little guy (they are like 5 inches in pet stores when I see them) to the 9"? How big are people truly experiencing these guys? Again I searched and get a variety of answers. Do you guys feed them live food? Find live or frozen better? Are the aggressive with everything? Say I throw in a convict pair in a large tank to provide some scenery and maybe some fry for the Oscars to much on is this going to be war? Again just asking I love the guy I seen at the store now I'm reading everything I can but I find I get better answers here than on any page I have read.
Less then a year to grow over 9 inches. Frozen better then live, varied diet the best. Convict w/ o can have mixed results, depends on tank size, but can be done. Oscars are actually usually pushovers compared to other large cichlids.polarbear;2461114; said: