Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-05-2004 04:56 PM         

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I will be getting a 55 gallon tank and have been thinking alot about what to put in it. I never considered an oscar because I thought you had to feed them small fish and I'm a small fish lover and wouldn't want to do that. However, after reading everyones posts it sounds like they would like crickets or worms along with pellet food...that I can handle. My question is from what I've read I could only have 1 in a 55 gallon. If it was the only fish in there wouldn't it get lonely? Maybe I should not consider this fish if this is the case. ?

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Member

Posts: 25
From:british columbia
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-05-2004 06:32 PM         

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well alot of ppl say that you should have 50gallons for 1 oscar and 30 for any additional. but i know ppl who have 2 in a 35 gallon tank. they are great pets. i think the least you should have is 30galons for 1 o and since you have a 55gallon 2 shouldnt be a problem. i know there will probably be much discussion about this letter but they will live in a 55gallon but if you really wanna pamper them then alot of ppl will say you should have a 80 gallon, but its your fish tank and they will survive in ther.have mabe a little fishing bobber or a ball that floats for them to play with and a variety of different foods to keep them stimulated and they should be fine. good luck

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Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-05-2004 06:50 PM         

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my main concern is that they be happy and properly cared for. I am not certain if I have enough fish keeping experience yet but am trying to learn before I make a decision. Are they lonely by themselves?

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Member

Posts: 255
From:Courtenay, B.C, Canada!
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-05-2004 07:03 PM         

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you could bet the oscar lots of new territory for it to explore but some times oscars dont like the change.. they also wont have to share thier food if thier is only 1 and oscars do like their food. maybe you could get it a friend that dosnt grow to be 14 inchs like a gramie or something
but that is to big to be eaten well have fun

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Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-05-2004 07:56 PM         

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that's a good idea...to get a fish that would be compatible but that would not get as big for a companion.

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Member

Posts: 501
From:Missouri
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-05-2004 10:32 PM         

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Definitely only get 1 oscar if all you have is a 55 gallon. Although some people are capable of keeping an oscar ALIVE in smaller, there's a big difference between surviving and THRIVING. And it is possible to keep 2 in a 55 gallon, BUT it takes A LOT of work to keep them healthy and happy. 2 oscars produce way to much bioload for the a 55 gallon tank to handle. So you would have to have A TON of filtration, and do at least 2 large water changes per week just to keep the nitrAte at safe levels.

For a tankmate, assuming you have good filtration, I would suggest some sort of bottom feeder like a pleco or pictus catfish.

-Chelle

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