Some Oscar Help

[finsandscales1234]

Hey guys,
                Im new to the tank keeping buisness and am about to get my first baby oscar fish. I am needing some suggestions for what to do to keep it happy. I have already cycled and I am ready to go. This is what I have already:
 
10 gal. tank (am upgrading to 20 gal. when bigger, up to 50 gal when full grown)
heater
filter
scrubber for alge
lighting
some small decorations
de-chlorinator
siphon
water tests
thermometer
 
                               Please comment if i have missed anything or if you have any suggestions! Thanks!

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Food?
 
You will need a 55 gallon tank when the Oscar is fully grown, make sure not to leave him/her in the 10 gal for too long or s/he might become stunted
 
Just double checking...how did you cycle the tank?

 

[fluttermoth]

I wouldn't put even a baby oscar in a 10g. The possibility of stunting is very real, and don't forget that fish do the majority of their growth when they're young; you'd need to upgrade in a matter of weeks.

Really, with any large fish, you should get a tank that they'll be happy in for their whole life before you get them.

Sorry if that sounds harsh, but you sound like a caring owner and I'm sure you wouldn't want to cause health problems for your fish.

 

[wrightt3]

55 Gallons is too small. Any 12 inch cichlid needs a MINIMUM of 4x2x2ft which is just over 100 gallons. Please don't get an Oscar unless you can provide the adequate care and tank size straight away.

 

[fluttermoth]

I have to say, I agree.

I currently have a rescue oscar in a 4'x18"x18" (250l/55g) and it is not big enough; it makes me very unhappy looking at him.

Luckily, I have got a 5'x2'x2' waiting for him (just need polystyrene for it to stand on!) and he'll be moving, along with his rescue catfish 'buddies' (he doesn't really like them!).

If you can't provide the right size tank, then please don't get an oscar; there are loads of other, lovely, characterful cichlids (rainbows, keyholes, firemouths, even the dwarfs, like apistogrammas, for example) that will give you just as much pleasure and that can live in much smaller tanks.

 

[finsandscales1234]

Food?

 
You will need a 55 gallon tank when the Oscar is fully grown, make sure not to leave him/her in the 10 gal for too long or s/he might become stunted

 
Just double checking...how did you cycle the tank?

I cycled by doing the usual "Fishless Cycle". I have a 55 on the side right now so he will go straight in there. The 100 gal seems a little big he will be alone without other fish. My friend is helping me with the tank problem, and I am feeding him the special pellets made for chillids and bloodworms on the side. THANK YOU for the advice guys!!!!

 

[fluttermoth]

It's not just the 'inch per gallon' sort of stocking guidelines you need to be thinking about with these sorts of fish though; it's making sure they have enough room to swim properly.

Some oscars grow to 18", so a standard (UK) 55g, which are usually 48"x18"x18", is not giving them enough space to to turn and swim properly. A US 55g is going to be even smaller

My oscar is only 9", in that sized tank, and he's already starting to show signs of behavioural problems; swimming in circles, splashing, jumping, that I'm sure are related to lack of space (although, tbf, it could just be him being a stroppy duck!)

 

[wrightt3]

I cycled by doing the usual "Fishless Cycle". I have a 55 on the side right now so he will go straight in there. The 100 gal seems a little big he will be alone without other fish. My friend is helping me with the tank problem, and I am feeding him the special pellets made for chillids and bloodworms on the side. THANK YOU for the advice guys!!!!

Well done for doing the fishless cycle instead of the fish in cycle!

55 gallon should be fine for just over a year but trust me, when he is fully grown that 100 gallon wont look small at all but I'm sure you'll make the right decision when he gets that big.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

55g isn't big enough? I did quick research before posting that reply, but, upon further research I see that a 100g would be better, 75g at the very least.
Thank you for correcting me FlutterMoth

 

[fluttermoth]

Yeah, you'll see 55g as a minimum size bandied around a lot, but it really isn't big enough.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Yeah, you'll see 55g as a minimum size bandied around a lot, but it really isn't big enough.

 
Okay, thanks. I'll keep that in mind

 

[josh_g]

I had 2 fully grown oscars in a 5x2x2 male+female pair and tbh they needed more swimming room. Coz although they are pretty calm fish they do like to dart around occasionally and u dont want a floor covered in fishtank water

 

[hrtattk73]

agree with aforementioned. 55g not big enough for a permanent home, but plenty big enough to grow him to 6- maybe 8 inches. need good filtration and water changes regularly. imo, weekly, but every 2 weeks at least. good luck with your baby O