Tank size for Oscar

[Sky042]

Currently my girl has a Albino oscar we've had for over a year. He's now about 8 inches and IMO grown out of his temporary 37G home where he resides alone except for the occasional ghost shrimp.

I've decided he's going to get a new home. The only tank I have right now without anything in it isn't ideal for him since it's a corner bow and doesn't offer him much swimming room.

So we were doing some reading on oscarfish.com and they mentioned that for a single oscar a 55G tank 48" long is fine. My LFS has 55G's on special for $99 tank and hood included. This is a substantially cheaper deal then lets say a 72 or 90 gallon.

I know what the other 2 websites say I'd like to get get the opinion of this board if a 55G tank is suitable permanent home for 1 Oscar. Current filtration is a emporer 300 I'd likely buy one more just to make sure I'm overfiltering since we all know how messy these fish are.

 

[Synirr]

55 gallon is the absolute minimum for an adult oscar, but really, I wouldn't keep one in less than a 75 gallon. They're a big fish and need a big home... and from my experience, it really is a great joy to see them swimming around and enjoying a large tank like that

 

[Sky042]

55 gallon is the absolute minimum for an adult oscar, but really, I wouldn't keep one in less than a 75 gallon. They're a big fish and need a big home... and from my experience, it really is a great joy to see them swimming around and enjoying a large tank like that

Hmm wonder if I can talk the store into a deal on the 90G they've had out for display for the past 9 months

 

[juanveldez]

imo, the length of the tank is less important than the width of the tank, that is why I always say that the absolute minimum for an oscar is a 75 gallon.

 

[freddyk]

With a larger tank like the 90 gallon the fish has more swimming room all around, plus the water will be that much cleaner with the same water changes. It also leaves you room to put some decor in the tank, and if you wanted, some suitable non-cichlid tankmates.

 

[Sky042]

Actually I think I'm going to go 125.
I'm just curious if I can put my Bala in with the oscar.

 

[freddyk]

I'm just curious if I can put my Bala in with the oscar

As long as it's big enough not to be outgrown, but your Bala would do much better, and the Oscar unable to pick on him directly, if you kept them in an appropriate group.

 

[Synirr]

A 125?? Man, the oscar is going to love that!!
I think the bala would be fine with the oscar, especially if you give him some hiding places. It really depends on the oscar, though... some, like mine, are pussycats and others are just plain mean.

I can't help but comment on your sig... My hybrid's grandmother wasn't an auratus, but it probably WAS a midas... and one of her parents was, too
The new world cichlid version of bad news, hehe.