Oscar In A 75?

Hi, all. I've been doing some research online, and I've been posting on other sections with very conflicting results. So, I figured I'd come straight to the Oscar section of the forum. I'm considering a "wet pet" tank, with a fish that has a lot of personality, and I've learned that an Oscar would be perfect for this. However, I'm getting a lot of conflicting information regarding tank size. I've heard anything from 55 to 125 is the bare minimum for a single Oscar. Obviously this is a huge range, and I'd like to narrow it down a bit to know what an appropriate tank size really is. I'm going to be moving in the near future, so this is just for planning purposes. I won't have room for anything above a 75, though, so that's the size I'm really hoping for. I do have a 55 already that will be empty once I move, but I'm pretty sure the 12" depth makes a 55 a poor choice. I'm looking to do a setup of one or two Oscars, with possibly some kind of Pleco, if advisable. If not, the Pleco isn't a deal breaker. Thanks in advance!

 

In a 75g, I'd stick with just one Oscar.

 

In a 75g, I'd stick with just one Oscar.

Thanks! In your opinion, is this an advisable setup, or is it doable, but not a great option?

 

Thanks! In your opinion, is this an advisable setup, or is it doable, but not a great option?

It's doable.

 

It's doable.

Thanks! This is good to know. I guess I was hoping it would be a good idea, or to find a setup that would be a good idea to do.

 

Thanks! This is good to know. I guess I was hoping it would be a good idea, or to find a setup that would be a good idea to do.

I would do bare bottom with no decorations, as it will be easier to clean and oscars can actually get hurt if you put decorations.

 

I would do bare bottom with no decorations, as it will be easier to clean and oscars can actually get hurt if you put decorations.

Ok, thanks for the info. I may need to find something else because I have gravel and driftwood.

 

Well, I've decided to go for an Oscar. I really want one, and I've realized I have options (I'm going to get a 75 and if he seems to outgrow it in time, I can always make the 75 my community tank and convert my 100 to the cichlid tank as long as I can put a few of my others with the Oscar long-term). Either way, I should have at least a year to figure all that out while he's growing out. I'd like to hear opinions on a few things.

First, filtration. I have an Aquaclear 70 on my 55 that I'll be using on the 75 (since the 55 will be coming down). I know that a canister would be recommended for the Oscar, and he'll get that if I do convert the 100. But, if it's doable, I'd like to supplement the Aquaclear with a second Aquaclear. What size would be recommended? Also, feeding. I know that nutrition is super important with these guys, so I want to be sure to do it right. I already feed a varied diet (I mix it all up), and I'm wondering if this will be sufficient or if I need to rethink it. I feed a mixture of Cichlid pellets, Sera veggie flakes, Sera Tropical Flakes OR Sera Tropical Granules, and HikarI Vibra Bites. I also feed frozen Mysis Shrimp or Blood Worms once a week, and I'm considering upping to twice.

 

Well, I've decided to go for an Oscar. I really want one, and I've realized I have options (I'm going to get a 75 and if he seems to outgrow it in time, I can always make the 75 my community tank and convert my 100 to the cichlid tank as long as I can put a few of my others with the Oscar long-term). Either way, I should have at least a year to figure all that out while he's growing out. I'd like to hear opinions on a few things.

First, filtration. I have an Aquaclear 70 on my 55 that I'll be using on the 75 (since the 55 will be coming down). I know that a canister would be recommended for the Oscar, and he'll get that if I do convert the 100. But, if it's doable, I'd like to supplement the Aquaclear with a second Aquaclear. What size would be recommended? Also, feeding. I know that nutrition is super important with these guys, so I want to be sure to do it right. I already feed a varied diet (I mix it all up), and I'm wondering if this will be sufficient or if I need to rethink it. I feed a mixture of Cichlid pellets, Sera veggie flakes, Sera Tropical Flakes OR Sera Tropical Granules, and HikarI Vibra Bites. I also feed frozen Mysis Shrimp or Blood Worms once a week, and I'm considering upping to twice.

With my large cichlids - I would have enough filtration for a tank double the size. i.e 75 gallon tanks would get 150 gallons of filtration. And even with that, you'll still be doing A LOT of vacuuming & cleaning. A barebottom tank will make it a little easier, but it's not a visually appealing.
I fed mine a similar diet to what you are planning to. They would eat anything that could fit in their mouths.
Oscars grow VERY fast, so do not be shocked if you are moving it up to the 100 gallon within the first year. It will be easier to keep the water parameters in check anyway with the larger tank. I've never seen anything foul a tank as fast as an Oscar.

 

With my large cichlids - I would have enough filtration for a tank double the size. i.e 75 gallon tanks would get 150 gallons of filtration. And even with that, you'll still be doing A LOT of vacuuming & cleaning. A barebottom tank will make it a little easier, but it's not a visually appealing.
I fed mine a similar diet to what you are planning to. They would eat anything that could fit in their mouths.
Oscars grow VERY fast, so do not be shocked if you are moving it up to the 100 gallon within the first year. It will be easier to keep the water parameters in check anyway with the larger tank. I've never seen anything foul a tank as fast as an Oscar.

Thanks! So, it sounds like you're of the opinion that a 75 cannot permanently house a single Oscar? I ask since I know you have Oscar experience, and I'm really getting a lot of opinions both ways. I'm glad to know my planned diet should work out. I guess I just wasn't sure if the things I have would be enough for their massive mouths! I know he'll obviously get larger pellets as he grows, but the other stuff is what my smaller fish get. Oh, is there a way to sex these guys, or are these guys one of the species where you really can't tell?

 

Thanks! So, it sounds like you're of the opinion that a 75 cannot permanently house a single Oscar? I ask since I know you have Oscar experience, and I'm really getting a lot of opinions both ways. I'm glad to know my planned diet should work out. I guess I just wasn't sure if the things I have would be enough for their massive mouths! I know he'll obviously get larger pellets as he grows, but the other stuff is what my smaller fish get. Oh, is there a way to sex these guys, or are these guys one of the species where you really can't tell?

I would say that a 75 g is the bare minimum for a single Oscar. Bigger is always better. I had two in a 150 gal at one point & they did well.
Oscars are prone to diseases like HITH, and that can become in a problem in smaller tanks where the water quality can quickly become less than ideal. You'd have to be very conscious of you water parameters, overfeeding, etc. as it got older & bigger.
Oscars are almost impossible to sex, you pretty much know if two pair off & you get fry.

 

I would say that a 75 g is the bare minimum for a single Oscar. Bigger is always better. I had two in a 150 gal at one point & they did well.
Oscars are prone to diseases like HITH, and that can become in a problem in smaller tanks where the water quality can quickly become less than ideal. You'd have to be very conscious of you water parameters, overfeeding, etc. as it got older & bigger.
Oscars are almost impossible to sex, you pretty much know if two pair off & you get fry.

Thanks! I think I'd go into it with the idea that the 75 would be the Oscar's home, since it seems feasible, and if it wasn't working out, I'd then convert. I'd just need to put some of my other fish in the 100 with him to make the community fit in the 75. I'm thinking things like my Severum, my Featherfin Catfish, and/or my Sajica Cichlid pair (2 fish, not a mated pair).

 

Thanks! I think I'd go into it with the idea that the 75 would be the Oscar's home, since it seems feasible, and if it wasn't working out, I'd then convert. I'd just need to put some of my other fish in the 100 with him to make the community fit in the 75. I'm thinking things like my Severum, my Featherfin Catfish, and/or my Sajica Cichlid pair (2 fish, not a mated pair).

Oh, and I wanted to ask, how long, approximately, is an Oscar and a Rainbow Shark as tank mates likely to work out?