Oscar question?

[kaleidoscope827]

hi I'm a newbie, I own 2 oscars,Jack Dempsy and 3 silver dollars. I have been through several oscar in the past few years, and finally got a pair that with stands each others temperment, one is a red oscar and the other is an albino red. Is this normal to go through so many before you get a pair that soots each other? And will oscars stop growing to the size of your tank? thanks..

I'd post a pic of my pair but not sure how to do that yet. Any suggestions?

[Red]

First thing is, what size tank is it?
Second thing is oscar pairing is sometimes hard, but when you pair them, I would remove all other fish because oscars become mean when breeding. Oscars won't quit growning to there size of there tank, they will become stunted which means they will have a shorter lifespan and get sick eaiser.

To post a picture, you have to first put it in are gallary top left under photogallary then once you do that go to go advanced and look to the right where it says my pictures and just click the picture.

[kaleidoscope827]

I have a 55 gal, thats as big as I'm able to have and ny fish are year and half old. The silvers are really older like 5 years. they must live along time!

[gm72]

We will all try to be civil in our responses.

You are significantly overstocked. A pair of oscars really shouldn't be in a tank less than...oh, maybe 100-125 gallons. They are dirty fish and require heavy filtration.

A fish that grows to the size of the tank is a stunted fish. Not acceptable. Please, please reconsider your stocking. This is just not a fair situation for the animals.

[Oscar_freak12321]

Maybe get rid of the SDs first to clear up a little bit of your problems. Then get rid of the JDs. That will help your tank significantly. Then, start looking on craigslist and your lfs to see if you can find a good deal on something like a 150. That's my two cents.

[Red]

I agree with gm. Please consider your stocking, as in if you don't it will hurt the fish. If you want this stock, I would look at a tank around 150 gallons. Sorry to bring down the hammer, but its the truth.

[Northernguy]

Some oscars get to live 20+yrs when properly taken care of!
Most fish do live a long time!
Please do some research! Beleive it or not you are welcome here but we are picky about proper fish keeping practices.
Its only fair!

[gm72]

Fabulous responses, folks. Nice job.

kaleidoscope827, we are here to look out for the fish and to give you strong guidance as you learn. We aren't beating up on you but rather are giving you informed opinions. I don't know of any worthy fish keeper who would guide you differently.