Free Oscars and tank

P

Pogiebate

AC Members
Aug 11, 2007
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I'm getting a free 75 gal tank, it has 2 baby Oscars in it. Will the tank be big enough for both of them when they are grown? I was reading up on them. Some sites say yes to the tank and other sites say no to a 75 gal.

So which is it LOL?

I wouldn't mind keeping the fish that come with it, but I just want to make sure the tank will be big enough. If it isn't I can just keep one.

Thanks,
Annie
 
As you have found out, opinions will vary, there's no solid "yes or no" answer. I would say absolutely not. I'd recommend something on the order of a 6' tank for two full grown oscars to give them plenty of room. A 75 for even one when full grown is bare minimum - a 12-14" fish in a 4' tank doesn't have a whole lot of extra space.
 
sploke said:
As you have found out, opinions will vary, there's no solid "yes or no" answer. I would say absolutely not. I'd recommend something on the order of a 6' tank for two full grown oscars to give them plenty of room. A 75 for even one when full grown is bare minimum - a 12-14" fish in a 4' tank doesn't have a whole lot of extra space.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more.

A 55 gallon is only 12 3/4 wide (outside dimensions) whereas a 75 is 18". A full grown Oscar cannot turn around effectively in anything less than a 75 and due to the immense bio-load created by them, a 75 is the bare minimum for many reasons. 2 would need a minimum of a 100 gallon tank (6ft). These fish require a large territory for ownership as well. A 125 or 150 would be better suited to a pair and would leave you room to add other compatible fish.

I have 3 fish in my 90 - 13" Oscar, 12" common Plec, 4-5" pink convict. In my 100 I have 7, a 13-14" Oscar, 3 C.Borleyi, 1 6" Silver Dollar, 1 5" Bala, 1 5" Gibbiceps Plec. All these fish require a long tank. As a result of the length I have no compatibility issues.

Just because a large fish can fit in a shorter or smaller tank does not mean it will be healthy or reasonably happy. I have seen Oscars in 55's and they are very inactive due to lack of room.

Suggestion: remove 1 Oscar and find some suitable tankmates; you'll be glad you did and so will the Oscar.
 
Thanks for all the info. I will find a new home for one of them and keep the other.

Again thank you!
Annie
 
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