Hello, new member here. I just found the site 2 days ago and I've been reading.
Currently, I have 2 small oscars in a 55 gal tank. (pics in profile)
I've been reading and now I know I should have only 1 in a 55 gal.
Is this a serious problem? How long before I have to remove 1?

welcome

I kept two young O's in a 55 gallon tank while my 135 was on order. You can do it for a while - once they get about 4 or 5 inches, the upkeep will be a lot.

You can guess they'll be 4-5 inches in about 5 months (they grow about 1 inch a month- assuming yours are 2" already - that is about 1 or two more months)

Once they get that big, the bio-load significantly increases. I was doing 30-40% water changes every 3 or 4 days to keep the water chemistry in check.

It's definitely something you can do temporarily - but you'll have to be dedicated.

If you have no plans to upgrade your tank - I would suggest removing one now - taking it back to the fish store perhaps.

Meghan has you covered! But I wanted to say Welcome!!!

Thanks. Within the next month I will try to return to the store...

that was like me, i got a baby oscar and put him in a 10 gallon tank, not cycled or anything, luuckily i found this website and now no how to care for oscars proply and that little oscar is now happy and healthy, nearly one year later.

on the down side ive turned into a fish addict and spend more on them then i do myself.

but i guess thats an up aswell

Hi gs welcome.

Its all good stuff here. lol

Welcome to our community

Yes, everybody has given you sound information so you know what you need to do.

welcome to the site

nothing to add except to warn you!
this is very addicting hobby. i hope you can control it well...
welcome on board!

If you are not going to get a bigger tank then rehome one now. If you leave it you can get very attached to your fish and it can be difficult to give one up

Welcome to OFL

welcome to the site gslim.

delboybully wrote:


and then you'd still be buying a bigger tank!
btw welcome to the site!