Well I bit the bullet. I always wanted an Oscar but never ever owned one. Currently I have a 37 Gallon (29 footprint) that housed 3 Albino Corys and one Spotted flying perch (correct name?) of about 3" in size. I visited the local petshop and while most shops always have Oscars of differing sizes, I found and fell in love with a segregated pair (hopefully M &F) that were all alone in a seperate tank due to their small 3" size. I had to take them both and they are both highly mottled Tigers and one seems slightly smaller then the other. They seemed to get along and I am thinking that I may have a pair here and thus far they are doing well in my 37.

Now I am in the process of setting up a brand new 75 Gallon Tank (48 X 18) that will be there new home in another 4-6 weeks (after it cycles). I know some will say that a 75 is too small for 2 Oscars but I'll cross that bridge when and if I have to. I plan to add a Pleco t their tank once I research which ones will not get too big (any suggestions?) I got away from fish keeping for a few years and had at one time a 65 and a 120 Gallon set up. The 120 was a dedicated Angelfish tank which was gorgeous. Like I said, I always wanted Oscars and here they are. They are named "Jake and Elwood"...

Hi there

I think that at some stage in the future, you may find that 75 gallons is a tad on the small side. You'll probably find that your nitrate levels will soar at the end of the week. You also have to remember that if you have an overstocked tank, ammonia levels might start rising, it is not just nitrate that get out of control. Anyway, I'm not going to lecture you about that. Hopefully you have got a male and a female if that's what you want.. however, you have to remember that if Oscars do breed, you could end up with several hundred fry. Having said that, the survival rate of fly is not good in a lot of cases.

I really don't think you should add any more fish, especially a pleco. You are correct, there are various species that don't get too big. However, they are very messy indeed. This will just add more waste once all the fish get big. Just bear that in mind and I wish you good luck

I may pass on the Pleco then, especially if they are messy. I realize I am pushing the limit with only 75 gallon size. To help compensate I will have excellent filtration, good water flow and I like to do weekly water changes to keep things under control. I'm not trying for a mated pair but will accept whatever the outcome brings. I belong to a local Fish club and could easily move the babies to qualified owners, fish keepers, hobbyists and store owners who make up the club.

It's a shame to see the crowded conditions of most typical pet stores who sometimes house a half dozen (or more) larger Oscars in a small 15-20 gallon tank. Thanks for your good suggestions...

WOO HOOOOO!!!

Just came home with my new 75 Gallon tank and stand and today UPS delivered the Marineland Bio Canopy 600W for the filtration and lighting. That thing has FOUR large Bio Wheels and dual 300 GPH Pumps for a total of 600 GPH flow. Can't wait to get this set up this coming weekend!

(Sorry, I had to share my joy here somewhere and didn't want to dare start a new thread for such banter.)

My two Tiger Oscars (Jake and Elwood) are here slightly more then 1 week and what changes they have undergone already. I swear they are growing and it's noticable to me in such short time. Their coloring has gone from the typical baby black and cream streaks to gaining some pink into the cream now and just today I notice the black areas turning a dark green. These are such beautiful fish and there are hints of bronze coloring too. I've never been this excited or interested in any other tropical fish I've ever had. Such personalities already too. They will beg and eat and then retire to the bottom of the tank to rest. So cool......

Yes, baby Oscars grow very quickly and colour changes dramatically. Good luck on your new tank