Oscar Tank Requirements

I doubt I will be getting an Oscar any time soon, but I just wanted to know about what they need if/when I get one.

First, I’ve done quite a bit of research and have come up with many different answers for what tank size they need, from 50-100 gallons. What is a reasonable size tank for them?

Second, I’ve come up with many mixed results on tank mates for oscars. What are some decently priced (ie. Under $30) fish that could live in the same tank as them?

Also, would it be better to order an oscar online, like through LiveAquaria?

Finally, if oscars can’t live in 60 gallons or less, what are other fish that act like them but are smaller?

Sorry for so many questions, and thank you for just reading them, even if you can’t answer them.

 

After having one in a 75 gallon tank I would recommend a tank with a footprint of 4 foot by 2 foot so I would say 100 gallon range. Once mine got about 10 inches he killed his other tank mates. Guess he wanted to be alone. Heck he even killed a foot long pleco, broke heaters and then finally destroyed the tank. He was one expensive fish. Lol. He was pretty cool though.

 

Oscars need a 80 Gallon tank minimum, but a 100 would be better. They like live prey so most smaller tank mates would not work, larger Cichlids that can hold their own against an Oscar like Severums, JDs, and Convicts would work but you will need space, coverage, and a Placid Oscar who doesn't kill on sight. I haven't ordered fish online but I have heard good reviews about Live Aquaria, personally I like seeing the fish before buying to make sure it is healthy and if it is really what I want. For another option in a 60, how about a Blue Acara(Could be kept with other fish) or A Jack Dempsey(Would have to be the only mid-top region fish)?

 

how about a Blue Acara(Could be kept with other fish) or A Jack Dempsey(Would have to be the only mid-top region fish)?

I’ll have to look into those fish, and thank you.

 

So it looks like I definitely won’t be getting an Oscar any time soon, but ideas on other fish that fit in a 60 gallon that are like oscars would be helpful.
Thank you all

 

So it looks like I definitely won’t be getting an Oscar any time soon, but ideas on other fish that fit in a 60 gallon that are like oscars would be helpful.
Thank you all

a meduI'm sized puffer could work

 

Most Medium size Cichlids would work(Not together, but a single one or a Male/Female Pair). For a single fish or pair in the tank how about, JDs(Singly), Green Terrors(Pair), Convicts(Pair), a Severum(Singly), or a Flowerhorn(Singly). For a community setup you could do, Blue Acaras(Electric or Regular), Angelfish, Festivums, Dwarf Cichlids(1 or 2 Species, 4 of 1 species or 2 each for 2 species), or a Firemouth. Other interactive species include, Bettas, Goldfish, and Livebearers(At least my Livebearers are interactive).