Oscars tank size

Question: I have 2 oscars and during my research ive found that most places recommend a 75 gallon or mre for them do any of you have an opinion on weather or not I can get away with putting them in a 55 gal tank or should I bite the bulllet andf get a 100 gallon tank

 

For a pair of oscars, you will really need something bigger than a 55. If you already have the 55, you could keep them in it for awhile while they are small, but eventually they will need more space. They just get so big they would not have much room to move around and would be crammed up against each other constantly when they get full grown.

 

welcome to FishLore!

yea, Oscars really need the room. Even with enough room, they can injure themselves bumping into the glass at times, so they would be more at risk in a 55g.

 

You definitely want the bigger tank. I mean who wouldn't right. I keep an Oscar with a few other large fish in a 150 and they do great. They'll need more space eventually but not by the Oscars fault. It's my Tin Foils that have a problem with getting a fat lip from the tank sides.

 

What would you say the minimum tank size would be for an oscar? I've read about 55, but that seems like an awfully large tank for one fish. If I over filtered a smaller tank, and it was all alone, would that be okay?
Also, in a 55, is that only enough for a single oscar, or could I get a pleco or another large fish to keep with it.
One last question, can you keep an oscar with a jack dempsey? I really want both...
Thank you!

 

55gal is the minimum size for a single Oscar, although personally I wouldn't keep one in anything smaller than a 75gal. And yes Oscars and Dempseys can be kept together, I have one of each in my 90gal.

 

I agree with Nick.
I have a 150 for my pair of Oscars

 

The problem with the 55gal is not the length, at 4' you are ok. The problem is the width they just aren't wide enough as the fish grows. If you can go with a 90 then you can get both the fish you want.

Brian

 

Okay, thanks everybody, that's really helpful.

 

hI I want to see if I can keep an oscar and I'm planning on getting a second tank if any one could tell me the minimum size for an oscar and if they should be kept in groups. Ive read up on them its just I can't find any where that says these.Thanks

 

Oscars don't need to be kept in groups. IMO-the minimum tank size for one oscar would be 75g. For two, a 125g tank would be needed.

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks

 

Oscars don't need to be kept in groups. IMO-the minimum tank size for one oscar would be 75g. For two, a 125g tank would be needed.QUOTE]

+1.

 

+2

 

+3.

 

-1 LOL
you could keep 1 oscar in a 55 gallon tank as long as he had the tank to him/her self

 

-1 LOL

That was creative

 

-1 LOL
you could keep 1 oscar in a 55 gallon tank as long as he had the tank to him/her self

True but bigger is always beeeetterrrrrr!

 

True but bigger is always beeeetterrrrrr!

Where's Michael Scott when you need him. lol

 

Ok, long story short, might be able to get an Oscar tank within the next year or so. I know they need about 100 gallon for one fish. (that's all I want) but I'm wondering about tank dimensions. I know a guy that builds custom tanks for dirt cheap, and am wondering about ideal measurements. Wondering about 20" by 20" and then how long.

 

20×20×60 will be real close to 100g.

 

7.5 gallons of water per cubic ft roughly. You can google it and do some math to find out exactly how much water what different dimensions will hold.

 

Ok, long story short, might be able to get an Oscar tank within the next year or so. I know they need about 100 gallon for one fish. (that's all I want) but I'm wondering about tank dimensions. I know a guy that builds custom tanks for dirt cheap, and am wondering about ideal measurements. Wondering about 20" by 20" and then how long.

H3ll no you don't need at least 100 gallon for one fish. 55 gallons will do. 75 gallons if you want at 2-4 Oscars. Perhaps you might be part of the Oscar Fish Keepers FB group. Those people are too OC and want a whole ocean for just one Oscar. Trust me, you don't need to spend too muchI know people who have followed the 1 gallon per inch rule, giving them at least 20-30 gallons per fish. They are perfectly fine.

 

H3ll no you don't need at least 100 gallon for one fish. 55 gallons will do. 75 gallons if you want at 2-4 Oscars. Perhaps you might be part of the Oscar Fish Keepers FB group. Those people are too OC and want a whole ocean for just one Oscar. Trust me, you don't need to spend too muchI know people who have followed the 1 gallon per inch rule, giving them at least 20-30 gallons per fish. They are perfectly fine.

Considering those guys exceed 12 inches and a 55 gallon is only 12 inches long, no thanks. I want a big fish. Maybe when they are only 6 inches long but seeing my 6 inch goldfish in a 55g, I'm getting a much bigger tank.

 

Considering those guys exceed 12 inches and a 55 gallon is only 12 inches long, no thanks. I want a big fish. Maybe when they are only 6 inches long but seeing my 6 inch goldfish in a 55g, I'm getting a much bigger tank.

Sorry let me rephrase this. Yeah if you have enough money to provide 100 gallon per Oscar fish then very good. If you are getting another 2-3 Oscars you can still use the same 100 gallon tank.

 

In a 100 g you can add a few tankmates, but not other Oscars. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think JDs, BPs (not sure on this one), Firemouths, and a few others can go with oscars in a tank that size.