Hello everyone, I received an Oscar as a gift from someone in my family last week. I've been keeping fancy goldfish for a year now, so I'm not a novice at aquariums, but I am a novice at keeping Oscars. I wasn't even sure what the fish was when I received it, and when I found out it was an Oscar, I admit I was a bit scared because I know these fish require much larger tanks than my small 29g. But, I tried several pet stores around me and they weren't really interested in taking a fish because of the risk of disease, parasites, etc. Anyway, I've decided I would like to try and keep the fish, but I know I need a bigger tank. Space is my only concern, as the 29g takes up nearly all the space I have available, but I can fit a 50g or 65g, as they're only 36" long, and I have 40" of wall space. So, I joined this forum because I'm sure there are folks far more knowledgeable than I to guide me on my path, and folks from the UK are generally always friendly So, I'll see you around! Here's my setup:

29g tank
Aquaclear 110 HOB filter (500gph)
Aquatic Gardens Air Pump (2000cc/min)
30" Flourescent hood, unknown wattage
3" Diameter Round Airstone
Occupants: One 6-7" Lutino Oscar

10g
Tetra Whisper 5-15g 100gph
Profile Air Pump (1000cc/min)
20" Incandescent Hood 30w per bulb
6" Airstone
Occupants: One 5" Red Oranda

Water Test Reults from yesterday:
29g:
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 5
pH: 7.6
Temperature: 80 degrees fahrenheit

10g:
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 10-15

hi John & welcome to Oscar fish lover
I think that you already know you that 29 gallons is not quite big enough for an Oscar. Anyway, just keep an eye on the water conditions and upgrade as soon as possible. The problem with Oscars they are extremely messy fish, they also grow very very quickly so unfortunately, you haven't got time on your hands. some fish that get big grows very slowly so can be kept in small tanks for quite a long time. I don't think I've ever come across a fish that grows quite as fast as an Oscar.

anyway, if you have any questions, we'll try and help as much as we can

I thought I would add that if you read everything on this website, you will learn everything you need to know to keep your Oscar fit and healthy for many years

Hi john and welcome to the site, if you give your oscar a little more room as you know and keep the water the way it is in your other tanks, he will love you. Come to greet you, and with a little time and trouble he will even let you stroke him, i say him but you never know it may be a girl. they are great fish and worth evey bit of care you give them.. good luck