
That depends completely on how detail oriented you are. (No kidding --) Consensus here and at other forums is that you would need about 100 gal (or more) for a pair of Oscars, and to be on the safe side that's my recommendation, too. But ask yourself a couple of questions: Are you the type of person that is consumed by the aquaria hobby? Do you sit in front of your aquarium and watch just like others watch TV? Do you test water, feed carefully, watch temperature, talk about your aquarium/fish to the point that you are losing friends? Do you study and understand the interesting Oscar personality and how they respond to stress? Are you willing to do weekly partials? Are you even willing to re-arrange the room furniture to lower your Oscars' stress? Then you can keep your two Oscars in a 55. Are you an average aquarist, keeping an aquarium for decoration? Do you do regular maintenance, but do not live for your aquarium? Do you like your fish, but there's a lot of other priorities that keep you away from time to time? Then you need 100 gallons or more. If you have any doubt at all, go the 100 route. I would think 99 per cent of fishkeepers should go the 100 route. You just need to be honest with yourself. I keep two pairs in two 55s, but only recommend it to ppl that are willing to do the careful work. So, if you die in a car crash tonight and you are absolutely certain that the obituary in the newspaper would start with the phrase:Originally posted by longlivehavoc
what would be a good size for two 7 in oscars?
. . .then get a 55. Otherwise, go the 100+ gallon route or switch to Convicts:DLonglivehavoc, a local respected fishkeeper, died . . .


:thumbsup: -----:cool:Originally posted by longlivehavoc
thanks its funny that you mention the part about losing friends because i talk about fish too much. i havent lost any friends but i do get on there nerves.



Also, although at first thought it may not make sense, larger aquariums are easier to care for. They take less time and less effort to maintain simply because the larger environment is more stable. Temperature changes, changes in water quality, etc. happen more gradually in a 100 than in a 55. The environment is not as fragile. --Mark:cool:Originally posted by DanRad
. . .how much more fun large tanks are to care for. . .



Before the introduction of silicone aquarium sealant in the 1960s, aquariums larger than 30 gallons were very rare and expensive. Oscars were kept in 20 and 30 gallon homes very successfully for decades before 55s and larger became so common and relatively inexpensive. As a matter of fact, I have a book where Herbert Axelrod, one of the most respected ictheologists (if not the most respected) of all time suggests that you move your Oscars to a "large" 30 gallon tank for breeding! Now that 55s and larger are readily available, there's no reason to keep such large fish in small aquaria any longer -- makes life more difficult -- but it's an interesting historical note. Once again, though, I recommend 100+ gallons for Oscars pairs (although I keep mine in 55s) because I don't think there are very many people willing to sacrifice the time and energy it takes to 1.) maintain the water, and 2.) understand the Oscar personality enough to be able to keep them in 55s. --Mark:cool:Originally posted by tomiosis
thanks mark...u made my day! I've been waiting months to hear someone say that. I have 1 "O" and a med plec in a 55, and u probobly WOULD believe the griefe I get over it. I keep sayin...If u love the labor..it's not a problem, but who listens.


Originally posted by longlivehavoc
what would be a good size for two 7 in oscars?

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