Straight answer on Oscar tank size

[jwarriner]

I can't get a straight answer on Oscars and a good tank size. Obviously the normal philosophy is "the larger the better." But that's not practical. So what's the smallest sized tank you can get away with? And by "get away with" I don't merely mean survival as I'm sure I could keep an Oscar alive in a 5 gallon bucket for quite awhile with enough water changes if I was that cruel. What I mean is where will the Oscar be comfortable? I've heard 55 gallon, which is what I'm leaning toward. But will he be happy? I've also heard 75 gallons, is that simply better than 55 or is it the ideal minimum?

What size tank is your happy Oscar living alone in?

Also, is the ideal shape a standard 55 or would something like 60 gallon hex be ideal for the swimming habits of the Oscar? Or does it even matter?

 

[ewurm]

For an adult, you need a tank at least 4 feet long for swimming space and at least 18" deep to allow the fish to turn around. That's a 75.

 

[rallysman]

75. I have an oscar that's pushing 15" TL. It would be very unhappy in a 55.

 

[ghostknifefish0909]

yah a 75 gallon is the minimum

 

[jwarriner]

Ok, I am looking for a 75 now.

Hope my Oscar stays under 18", I've heard fish stories about 36" Oscars. Can anyone confirm if that is even remotely possible?

 

[rallysman]

36" no way.

 

[Aussienative]

Ok, I am looking for a 75 now.

Hope my Oscar stays under 18", I've heard fish stories about 36" Oscars. Can anyone confirm if that is even remotely possible?

18" is possible if you can keep it alive long enough, 36" is BS.

For an oscar thats 8"+ with tank mates a 4x2x2 is minimum for me.

 

[kyleking007]

road trip to cali and get a big tank for dirt cheap. there are tons of big tanks out there.

 

[at2]

road trip to cali and get a big tank for dirt cheap. there are tons of big tanks out there.

wish it was like that on this side of the country

 

[barley pop]

don't we all at2... don't we all