50 gal big enuff for Oscar?

[once i was a maggot]

thats my question, would a 50 gal be big enough for an oscar on its own?

 

[nc_nutcase]

I would say this is less than ideal, but not too small. The dimensions of the tank are also important. anytime you put a fish that will grow to 12 inches into a tank that is 11.5 inches front to back.... well... picture him doing a U turn bumping his head on the front and his tail on the back. It's worth starting though and if the opportunity to upgrade ever comes along take it. Your fish won't be miserable in a 50 Gal, but like I said, its less than ideal.

 

[once i was a maggot]

ok thanx, i think ill find sumthing else for the tank then, coz i wouldnt want a miserable oscar

 

[swampcat]

A 50 is like a larger 40 breeder isn't it? I think a single oscar could work. How long is the tank? whats the width and depth?

I would think a tank with this width would be better than a 55 gallon. Lots of people have an oscar in one of these (55), and these are too narrow at 13".

I think a 55 and 50 are being confused? I recall a 50 being short in length maybe 3 foot long , but 18 to 24 inches wide??? If its 18 inches wide or more you'll be fine.

 

[nc_nutcase]

The two standard 50 Gal aquariums that I am familiar with are : 36"x18"x18" & 48"x13"x18". I've also seen a 50 Gal cubical aquarium recently that is approx 24"x24"x24". I would agree the 3 foot tank would be most suitable for an Oscar. This would allow them ample turning space. The problem I see with all of these aquariums is it would be difficult to supply sufficient cover options. It is also worth pointing out that since there will only be one fish in the aquarium, he will not need cover for protection, also Oscars are far from shy and can often be happy with minimal (but some) cover.

In summary, the 4' tank would be too narrow (front to back), the 2' tank would be too short (left to right) and the 3' tank would be most appropriate. I'm sure there are also some other odd shaped tanks that are or are close to 50 Gal (i.e. 52G & 54G corner aquariums). If you are considering using these odd shaped aquariums to house Oscars (or large fish) you can use the same line of thinking that was used to critique the aquariums here. Pure Gallonage isn't always enough info to make the decision, it's how the aquarium is set up.

Also, in my original response I said that a 50 G is "not too small" and "Your fish won't be miserable in a 50 Gal, but like I said, its less than ideal." Personally, if the only aquarium I could have was a 3' 50 Gal, I would definitely have an Oscar in it. If the only aquarium I could have was a 4' 50 Gal, I would be reluctant, but would most likely put an Oscar in it. But then again... if I couldn't have any aquariums I would consider giving my bathtub over to Oscars... I just love those guys......