CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I recently bought a small oscar for the first time, and realize he will grow. I placed him alone with a Pleco. in a 30 gal. Tank. What tips can you give to keep my Oscar happy. And how quickly do they grow.

He will be a monster in close to a year. So you have time to upgrade your tank size if you choose to do so. A 30ga w/ one oscar is a little cramped but it will make do for now. As far as adding other fish besides the pl*co I don't suggest you do that. Also the bigger he gets, say around 3-4 inches you will have to do regular H2O changes like one every 5 to 7 days to keep the water conditions in a good range and free of poop and other contaminates in the water and gravel. Everyone gawks at having a 125 ga for 2 oscars and mabey a couple of other tank mates but I feel that is way more room than they need. A 70 - 90 ga is enough for 2 O's to fit more than comfy in my opinion, but hey...I'm not a fish and don't know what they consider enough room
Chuck
Chuck

Hi FishFancier,

Well, just as Chuck said, they grow fast, so do frequent water changes. And plan to upgrade your tank when your fish gets 6" or even sooner if you can afford it. I recommend you go to a 55gallon *at least* and get another oscar, preferably opposite sex. Like Chuck said, most people find to 70 to 90 Gallons to be a good compromise between oscar well being and their pocketbook. Bigger is always better though....

Joe
www.cichlidfish.com

Thanks for your advice guys, i'll see what i can do about a bigger tank, and hang around your site to pick up some more tips.

Hi Fishfancier,

Glad to help, also you might want to check your local recycler. I always check that before going out and buying an aquarium, you'll get much more Gallons for your $$$. And always remember get long tanks not tall ones.

Joe
www.cichlidfish.com

Remember: Longer is better!