Should Oscars really be kept in a 55 gallon aquarium? Debate

Yeah not many people realize the long run cost when it comes to fish, in fact even any pet! People think you just buy the equipment, cage, food, and then the animal. However when it comes to pets you also have to take account of the electric and water bill. For pets like small animals, reptiles, and fish you have to buy food unless you raise your own. Bedding is also another thing for reptiles and small animals.

Exactly! I just wish ppl would do research before making a big change to their lives, pets (even fish) should be a part of your family. Not just something you discard when convenient

Al913 oscars are great fish, and if you can afford to buy a bigger tank later on, I would definitely recommend getting one

 

If I could get a 120 gallon I'd get an Oscar fish.

 

Mines at 3 inch now and I'm already on the hunt for a bigger tank hes in a 55 id never re home him he's like a water dog wagging his tail when I come in

 

Al913 oscars are great fish, and if you can afford to buy a bigger tank later on, I would definitely recommend getting one

Yeah I would...but personally I am not a big fish person- I love my planted tanks! But if I actually could have multiple tanks it would probably be on the list that is if I could provide a 75 gallon...or probably bigger. It would be nice if I could create a natural setup for it

Mines at 3 inch now and I'm already on the hunt for a bigger tank hes in a 55 id never re home him he's like a water dog wagging his tail when I come in

Good for you! I believe at 6" you should rehome it, so you have time but it is better to find a tank earlier and plan for it rather than wait till the last moment and realize that there aren't any tanks you can get!

 

Mines at 3 inch now and I'm already on the hunt for a bigger tank hes in a 55 id never re home him he's like a water dog wagging his tail when I come in

And that is why I would want one if I did a big single species tank, they seem so intelligent and personable!!

 

That's him hand feeding

 

I need to remind myself I am not currently able to have a big enough tank for an Oscar.

Oh my goodness grantm91. That is so awesome!! Look at him so tiny and cute and already eating out of your hand

 

Yeah hes literally like a dog haha I think hes the way he is because he was tattered when I got him from the shop I actually think its him being grateful for the rescue. Or maybe its my imagination and hes just a greedy oscar

 

Poor thing! I bet he's happy to have a home! And he's greedy and smart enough to know if he acts all cute you'll feed him

 

I had a 14 inch oscar in a 75 gallon for 5 years it was happy and very healthy now he is in 150 gallon. I also believe the 75 gallon is bare minimum for an oscar because they can definitely grow up to 14 inches. Mine is now about 16 inches and I've had him for 7 years. I'm planning on adding him to my 265 gallon so he can be noce and happy with my green terror and jack dempsey

 

My Petco has taken in a Jack Dempsey about 8" and an Oscar about 10". They use 55 gallon tanks some split some not to hold fish. Oh my goodness! That poor Oscar!! I feel sorry for the Dempsey as well but at least he can maneuver better. Hopefully people see how big these fish are and they understand these guys need a big tank!

This poor 4 year old Oscar was kept in a 30 gallon tank. His owner didn't want him anymore




The Dempsey was kept in a 75 gallon with two Oscars. She was beating them up. She's a Jack Dempsey not the sweet and cuddly unicorn fish!

 

I'm glad someone brought this up. Cause I had a 120 gallon with a single Oscar and I was feeding him crickets one day. And he got excited he was maby 10inches. And he jumped for the cricket and cracked the glass. So I don't believe any larger <monster fish> should be kept in any glass aquarium. I build a 200 gallon acrylic for him. Like someone said oscars are a completely different type of fish. And I agree. If u want them to be happy and truly enjoy the personality of them. If u have them in a 55 gallon their not gonna swim and be as happy and playful. . I wouldn't say it's the amount of water the tank is it's the dimensions. I've seen oscars live pretty happily is homemade acrylic short highth square tanks. I forget the dimensions he made it but I wasn't much more then 65 gallons I think. But it was shorter and fully square. So the Oscar had lots of turning room. The flat rectangle shape is common cause its convent for us. But a open too square tank is best for all fish I believe. It creates more territory then just kind of ends of the tank.

 

I have a breeding pair in a six foot 150G. They are quite large, 11 inches or so. And messy! I've noticed putting Oscars in big tanks causes them to be rather calm and peaceful, but extremely curious and always exploring. Bigger is better.

 

I have two oscars in a 125 gallon and they are both albino one is an albino tiger one is an albino red and I love them they follow everywhere around the tank and the albino red is about 5 inches and the albino tiger is 4 inches.

 

haha awesome! They're such goofy fish

 

Aww they are friends Arowanalover. That's great you have them in a big tank! I've seen two Oscars in a 75. -twitch-

 

I agree sometimes I shine a lser light in there and they try to eat it

 

I agree sometimes I shine a lser light in there and they try to eat it

It could be food. Gotta check and make sure of these things

 

yeah

its reall y funny to watch

 

yeah

And hey chasing something to eat it is a form of play!

its reall y funny to watch

Oh I bet!! Hehehe.