Small or large tank first?

**gm72** · 03-15-2007, 12:05 AM

This is just a general question about oscars. Would it be best to start off a pair in a small tank and move them to a larger one as they grow or would it be best to just start them off in a 120 gallon? Thanks!

**Drumachine09** · 03-15-2007, 12:20 AM

With oscars, its pretty much go big or go home. 55 for 1, 75 for 2, 100 for three, 120 for four, 150 for 5, etc.

**Fishguy2727** · 03-15-2007, 12:34 AM

It would be better to just start them in the big one first. If you are wanting a pair start with about 6 and let them pair off. You will need the big tank eventually, you might as well save yourself the cost of a small tank and skip it. The only problem would be what I call big tank syndrome. This is when small fish are very skittish in a big tank. I think they are convinced it is too big to be for them and they must be food for something much bgger already in the tank, but that's my theory. They usually just need time to settle in.

**Drumachine09** · 03-15-2007, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by reptileguy2727

The only problem would be what I call big tank syndrome. This is when small fish are very skittish in a big tank. I think they are convinced it is too big to be for them and they must be food for something much bgger already in the tank, but that's my theory.

lol. Let them gain a false sense of security, THEN you put in the giants!

**Chrona** · 03-15-2007, 01:10 AM

That's why you need dither fish :)

**kimmers318** · 03-15-2007, 02:04 AM

Whenever you are considering purchasing a fish you know will get large always try to get the tank they will need as adults. We started out with 2 2" oscars in a 90 gallon, boy did they look funny in there, but now they look quite happy. Unless you find something you decide you want and have to bring it home now and are not sure about the requirements, always start with what you need for them as adults. It doesn't take long for an oscar to grow another 3-4" so you will be setting up that big tank long before you expected. The other consideration is that it is said that fish emit hormones into their water that can affect growth and stunt it if they are not in an aquarium that suits them. How true that is I don't know, but I don't know if I would want to risk it.

**deckard_wa** · 03-15-2007, 04:06 AM

I've seen too many people say they are going to get a bigger tank when their Os grow a little, and then life happens and the tank becomes a pipedream and the Os begin their long slow painful death from bad water or stunting. You should just bite the bullet and get them their permanent home right away and then no matter what life throws at you, you already have it. They'll soon fill up any size tank you get them, and the water quality is guaranteed to be better the more water there is which is gonna help 'em grow even faster

**Fishguy2727** · 03-15-2007, 02:24 PM

Many fish emit growth inhibiting hormones, but I can't say for sure that oscars do. However I know angels do and would be surprised if it wasn't true that most if not all cichlids do. The bigger tank only makes it take longer for the hormones to have the same affect, what is most important is the water changes. You can have a 300 gallon tank for one, but eventually the hormone concentration (and other things that inhibit growth and affect health) will build up and take their toll if proper water changes are not carried out.

**Lady Hobbs** · 03-15-2007, 02:43 PM

I totally agree here reptileguy. I believe the tank size does make a difference in their growth rate. I believe that's probably why bala sharks are said to get 12 inches but we seldom see tank raised over 6. Same with loaches and angels.

**Fishguy2727** · 03-15-2007, 03:06 PM

Oh it does, I am just saying it isn't just that, no water changes in an otherwise big enough tank can be just as bad. I have seen a lot of people put two oscars and other things with them in a 55 and the oscars usually hit about 10", then someone has one in a bigger tank with the same water changes or better, and the thing is 15" or more.