tank size

[Mystix212]

A standard 55 is 4ftx12-13"x26". This is a waste because the tank would be more useful if the height and depth spcs were swapped. A oscar would do fine in a 50G untill it hits 8-9". Then rehome in a 75 or larger. But beware, some 75G's have been known to span 6ft long but be very thin and short.

 

[Nova 8]

A standard 55 is 4ftx12-13"x26".

My 55 aint 26" high, also if its standard how does it range between 12" and 13" that 1" adds 5 gallons and the tanks volume at 12" wide is 65 gal. I think you need to recheck, besides standard aren't standard every where. I hear alot of the standard 55 in the US being 48x12x20 which is actually 50 gallons with out taking out the glass width. Hear in Australia I find the standard to be 48x14x20.

http://www.angelfish.net/tankvolcalc.php

 

[andyourblueblood]

a 50 gallon is the same as a 40 breeder just taller. 36 x 18 x 17 thats a 50 tall that would be fine for one O so choose wisely.

 

[king_puma9]

As mentioned before, if you have the money, and space go for the 75. If not maintain the water changes like you mentioned before, and save up. I have heard all kinds of people keeping the O's in all kinds of environments ex: tank foot prints and dimensions. Just be reasonable and consider that your O can and probably will top out at the 13-15in mark, and again think about what would be best for him. In addition someone mentioned go as large as you can. I would rather save several months and buy the 75, rather than purchase the 50 because that was what I could afford at the time, then realize down the road how he dwarfs the tank. Good luck in what you decide. Dont forget his tank mates potential size either.

 

[Wolf3101]

Because of local prices...my wife and I reciently changed our plans for 4 utility tanks in the garage from 60 gallon units to 100's. A large part of the decision was the cost of the tanks. The 100 gallon tanks, locally, are simply more affordable than other sizes.

Some 75 gallon tanks share a footprint with the 4' 50/55 familly of tank, varying only in hight while others share a footprint with the wider 60 gallon.
Like I said before, it's importiant to know the diamentions of the tank in question rather than just the capacity.

Those tanks approching a square footprint are the ones generally known as "breeders" because they are usually difficult to use for a display...or "show" tank.

 

[squirt2005]

I believe you can house an oscar in a 50/55 for life with enough h2o changes. Yeah, it may be happier in a 75+ but you can do it.