45 gallon with 2 baby Oscars

[Cheapeeper]

I have 2 baby Oscars 2 inches each. I have been told by many (and I know this will start an arguement) that this tank is fine for my Oscars. When the time arrises then and only then will I look into getting a bigger tank. I have friends with Oscars and the pet store also said this size tank is just fine for the Oscars I have.
I am looking into getting a much larger tank for the future.

[Bassfan]

45 gallon isnt nearly big enough for 2 full grown oscars. you should of waited until you get that bigger tank (75 - 90 gallons for 2) they can go in a 45 gallon but it will stunt their growth and wont live as long. I would bring them back and just save up for the other tank.

[Arkie]

how long till you can get a bigger tank?

[cocoa_pleco]

they should be good in a tank that size for a while yet, but for sure eventually need at least a 75g, best 90g

[Tigerbarb]

For a while your tank may do well, but eventually will either have to upgrade, so I would suggest saving now for a bigger tank if you want to keep your scars.

[Fishguy2727]

Bigger is always better. I would say a minimum of a 75 for two oscars. The 45 is fine for now depending on exactly how big they are.

How big are they right now?

Definitely start savign now and get at least a 75 asap.

Make sue you keep nitrate concentration at no more than 20ppm.

[gm72]

You'll need a much larger tank probably much sooner than you think.

[squirt_12]

make sure you have good filtration aswell as the oscars are dirty fish......they are messy eaters. and produce waste....lol.

[jbeining75]

Please don't leave those Oscars in that 45 gallon. I can't believe the pet store told you that. You need 4 gallons per inch of agressive cichlid. Oscars range upto 14" and that 45 will stunt them probably around 8". If they are stunted their immune systems will deteriorate, they will be more prone to disease/sickness and they are going to get very territorial in that tank. Ones gonna end up dead. For two full grown Oscars you need something like a 90 or bigger. 110 Gallons run around $450 dollars or so new. Double up the filters though remember Oscars need alot of filtration and water movement to control the tank. You should cycle 10 times (in gallons) the size of your tank each hour. Ie that 45 should cycle 450 gallons per hour. Two 60 gallon hang on backs would work. Powerheads are great too for water movement.

[Cheapeeper]

Thanks for the input on the tank size. Right now my Oscars are maybe and that's just maybe 3 inches long. They seems to be doing fine so far. I have been doing search after search for a bigger tank and will get one very soon.if they apear to be fighting anytime soon i will get another 55 gallon and just separate them.

Thanks again

45 gallon long tank
1 Tiger Oscar
1 Albino Tiger Oscar

[jbeining75]

they should not fight when their small like 3 inches however it is very hard to tell as no two Oscars are the same. There temperment is very unpredictable and that is why they are better kept in a big tank. I'd say they are fine for now. My two Oscars are 4 inches and in a 55. Just keep the water filtered and the ammonia down......

[goleafs]

What are the dimensions of a 45 gallon? I've never seen one.

[Fishguy2727]

Mine is 36x12x24.

[Lady Hobbs]

It sounds as you are willing to get that bigger tank when the time comes. Good for you. But when you do go larger, go 18" wide rather than another 12" wide tank. Oscars need room to turn around in a tank and sometimes the 12 inchers don't get it for them.

[OscarGuy]

Hi I too am thinking on getting an Oscar and I plan to put him in a 60 gallon tank. You think 2 Whisper 60 filters will be good on it?

[shockshockshad]

No. You will need a good canister filter. Eheim makes good ones.

[cocoa_pleco]

i would get a fluuval 405

[Fishguy2727]

If you don't already have the tank just go with the extra 15 gallons and get a 75.

If I was doing the 60 I would do a Fluval 405 and an AquaClear 110 or Emperor 400 with the just the Biowheels running.