wow Petsmart...

[goalie35]

Today I went to Petsmart to look for a set-up for a 55 gal. aquarium that I'm looking to get for an oscar. I have read a lot in the forums about them and know that a 55 is the minimum for an oscar. I talked to two different people there about how many oscars would fit in that tank. They both said 3!?!?!?!? Im thinking that they should read up a lot more about them. I wouldnt even think of putting 3 in there or even 2! I have my heart set on one and only one fish in that tank. I went along with what they were saying not to be rude telling them different, but I know better from all of you smart people on here! Thanks for all your info about oscars so I dont make the mistake of buying them with the advice from the people at the local Petsmart.

Oh yea, I also got 2 dwarf puffers for my 10 gal. tank. Pretty sweet little fish.

 

[jgavlock]

I wouldn't get an Oscar unless I had 75g minimum.

 

[PPOHolbrook]

Yeah, same story

It is like that at alot of places. My biggest pet peeve along with what you are saying is the tags state smaller maximum sizes than the fish will likely grow. They state an Oscar grows to 8 inches etc.

Brian

 

[wataugachicken]

a 55 is only 12" wide, oscars get 14" long. . .

it can only be a temporary home.

 

[Star_Rider]

personally I wouldn't keep one in a 55. at least adults..you could keep a sub adult in a 55. once that fish gets to be 6,8 ,10" you may fing a much larger tank is needed. in the 100 gallon range.

 

[jm1212]

they go by their "inch gallon" rule that they try to sell to people that are unfirmiliar with the hobby.

a 55 gallon is to small for an oscar much less three. a 75 gallon is a minimum for an oscar BY ITSELF

 

[rmcder]

Unfortunately, most (average) people who get involved with fish either quit within a year or two or manage to kill their fish during that time. Obviously, based on that assumption, you probably COULD put three oscars in the 55, since the customer wouldn't be dealing with them, or the fish'd die before they got big enough to be a problem. :duh:

 

[fish_freak]

I have seen 16" healthey oscar's. A twelve inch wide tank will result in a humped back condition I forget what the technical name is for it. I would wait for a little while and save your money to get a 75 gallon.

 

[CoreyMac]

Correct them. They have to learn somehow. I correct the folks at petsmart all the time. The gal at Petco is pretty knowledgable. Her manager, on the other hand, has no clue. I had to tell her that her 12" oscar was too large for her 55G Tank.

 

[labowner]

I got similar advice

I was talking to Petco yesterday just in general about a cichlid tank and sizes etc. The girl tells me I should get a 20 gal tank and put 4-5 in there as overcrowding is the best solution to keep them from getting territorial. She was talking about gold severum. Now I'm new to the idea of a cichlid tank but even I thought that sounded a bit goofy???