I have had my oscar in a tank by himself since I got him around 2.5 years ago. He is in a 55gal I was wanting to know if anybody had some advice on what to add or if (since they are such territorial fish) I should add anything.
Need advice on adding to my Oscar tank
- Thread starter Saraswati828
- Start date
BettaFishMommy
finkids make me happy :-)
after 2.5 years your oscar should be at or surpassing the 12 inch mark, which is too big for a standard 55 gallon tank (the tank is 12 inches wide front to back).
i say add nothing to the current tank.
however, you can upgrade to a bigger tank and then you could add one or two similar size and tempermant cichlids. JD's, large pleco, paratilapia polleni........ are just a few options BUT the deciding factor in adding tankmates is if your oscar's personality/aggression level will allow for it. being as he has been housed solitary for his whole life, he may not be accepting of any 'buddies'.
i say add nothing to the current tank.
however, you can upgrade to a bigger tank and then you could add one or two similar size and tempermant cichlids. JD's, large pleco, paratilapia polleni........ are just a few options BUT the deciding factor in adding tankmates is if your oscar's personality/aggression level will allow for it. being as he has been housed solitary for his whole life, he may not be accepting of any 'buddies'.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3804456&lmdn=Brand
This is my tank. Oscar is actually about 10" long. We had an awful snow storm last winter and we lost power for 6 days and nearly lost him, I think it stunted his growth. If it wasn't for a kerosene heater and some jerry-rigging with some aluminum foil I don't think he would be with us. We were snowed in for 4 days straight.
He is rather well tempered, a rather "chill" fish. I pet him on occasion when I am cleaning the tank, he seems to respond well to it. As far as other fish go, idk he does like his feeders, he is a rather experienced "hunter".
This is my tank. Oscar is actually about 10" long. We had an awful snow storm last winter and we lost power for 6 days and nearly lost him, I think it stunted his growth. If it wasn't for a kerosene heater and some jerry-rigging with some aluminum foil I don't think he would be with us. We were snowed in for 4 days straight.
He is rather well tempered, a rather "chill" fish. I pet him on occasion when I am cleaning the tank, he seems to respond well to it. As far as other fish go, idk he does like his feeders, he is a rather experienced "hunter".
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In a tank that is only 30" long I don't think you have room for another fish. There just isn't enough space for another fish to get out of his territory or be able to set up one of their own. If you got a larger tank that was at least 4 feet long you might have a better chance.
His growth is NOT stunted from the snow days. Six days will NOT stunt a fish. However, 2.5 years in a tank that is too small will. Your Oscar should never have been in a 55 gallon tank. He should have been in a 75 as a minimum. Anyone that supports a 55 gallon doesn't know much about Oscars. They grow their entire lives unless in a tank that is too small. What happens is that a fish will secrete hormones that stops their growth. It does not effect their organs but effects the skeletal structure.
Your tank is way too short to house and Oscar. You need a minimum of 48" in length so it has room to swim.
Do not add any fish to the tank or further stunting will occur.
Your tank is way too short to house and Oscar. You need a minimum of 48" in length so it has room to swim.
Do not add any fish to the tank or further stunting will occur.
Wow no need to be so harsh. I bought the tank I bought after researching on the net, so many sites said 40gal minimum so I did what I thought I should and went bigger than that. I wasn't considering adding because I just wanted more fish I was worried about this fish, who is so close to my heart, being lonely. During those six days he turned blue and went belly up, so pardon my ignorance, I figured that near death experience must have harmed him somehow.
I just wanted some input to learn more about, and to take better care of him. I make little over $800 a month so a 75 gal is way out of my price range for now, but rest assured I won't be adding any tank mates..... Thank you
Wasn't meant to come across harsh. For a tank you can afford, try watching on Craigslist as you will see them often. Watch out for the prices as too many people think their equipment and tanks are solid gold. The tank should be no more than $100 and try to negotiate the equipment.
I paid $110 for my 75 gallon tank new. For a stand, I use a nice office desk made of wood, and not presswood, from Goodwill for $20.00 (on sale). Filters I already had. You could also check Freecycle.org in your area. Sometimes it takes a while to snag a good deal, so persevere.
I paid $110 for my 75 gallon tank new. For a stand, I use a nice office desk made of wood, and not presswood, from Goodwill for $20.00 (on sale). Filters I already had. You could also check Freecycle.org in your area. Sometimes it takes a while to snag a good deal, so persevere.
Odds are he's probably happy where he is. Sure a larger tank would be nice. I think his buddy is you and doesn't need any fish friends. I know some don't believe in feeders but I think it is mentally good for predators to keep their minds active. Just keep up the good care. In a perfect world we would all have swimming pools filled with our favorite fish.