Need Help with Oscar tank dimensions

[hefeweisse]

I've been wanting an Oscar for some time now, and after researching them for the last few months the biggest issue I seem to come across with owning Oscars is their tendency to outgrow their tanks. I know the absolute minimum tank size for an Oscar should be 55 gallons. I've also read that the 55 gallon tanks dimensions (depth) can cause the Oscar to become stressed and shorten their life span since the 55 gallon tanks are generally only 12 inches long.

My question is would it be better to get a 50 gallon with 48 x 18 x 13 dimensions rather than a 55 gallon with 48 X 12 X 21 dimensions? Or is 13 inches way too short?

I would just go out and get something larger than 55 gallons but I think cost and space would be a big factor with it. Plus the weight of the tank is a little intimidating, as i'm on the second floor of an apartment that isn't in the best shape.

Thanks in advance for any advice, or links to other threads that could help answer my question. I'm new to this site so I haven't gotten a chance to look through all the forums.

[Wild Turkey]

a 75. Its really not much more expensive, and will make things a lot easier. Oscars are huge waste producers so the smaller the tank, the more maintenance the tank will require.

Either of those tanks would be okay to grow an oscar out, but not for a full grown oscar the one is too short and the other not wide enough imo. Since you have done the smart thing and researched first, why not just step it up to the 75 right off the bat?

[MCHRKiller]

Definatly a 75G should be regarded as the realistic minimum for an Oscar. If its cost your worried about, a used aquarium could be your best option. Or you can even dramatically cut cost on a new tank. New 75 gallon tanks cost about $125 compared to a 55G which costs around ($90). For your tank stand you can build your own if your handy, there are alot of DIY plans online. You could also find a solid wood piece of furniture such as a dresser at a yard sale or whatever and do some reinforcement to it. Adding a piece of 1/2" plywood to the top and staining/painting it to match the piece and maybe add a few extra screws to crucial points. For tank lighting you can go to lowes and get a piece of glass cut to fit on the top of the tank at lowes for about half the cost of buying glass tops in the store. Do remember to leave space for your filters and heaters and so on.

Another very crucial aspect to Oscar owning is filtration, investing in a good canister filter is going to help you alot down the road. I personally recommend the rena XP3, this link will save you about $75 off the regular online price:
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For filter media I would look into some Eheim Ehfilav(2L fills a basket) as it is a very high capacity biomedia that is clog resistant. Put the sponges provided with the filter on the bottom, and then fill the top 2 baskets with the Ehfilav. For mechanical filtration on an Oscar tank I prefer to keep it in an outside power filter as its easier to clean more often. You dont have to spend alot on this area, you can go to walmart or whatever and pick up their cheapo ones for 50-60G tanks as its just a supplement filter to provide mechanical filtration, back up biological and some more water circulation. For heaters I would recommend the Hydor in-line heater which will go inline with your canister, Oscars are notorious for breaking heaters so this will save you money in the long run :22:

[rhonin]

I did a pair (in the past) and did a 100g.
Started with a 60 and it was too small..

Your guess on the 12" is right on. Get at min 18" deep.
They make a mess and will rearrange the tank to entertain themselves....

luck!! they are a great fish

[hefeweisse]

Thanks all for the advise, should prove to be very helpful.

[Northernguy]

Welcome to the Fabulous AC!
I also agree that a 75 is the minimum tank size for a healthy oscar.
Stressed oscars are no fun.Give it room to grow and they are awesome fish to keep!