First off, I'd like to thank the web admin and this community for such a terrific site! I've spent hours on it the past couple days - it's been a stellar resource.

So, I'm very new to fish keeping - I just picked up my first tank 2 days ago. It's a 55 gal, which I got used off craigslist. The previous owner was not the most responsible person I've ever met. He had an Oscar fish living in it and had nowhere else to put him after I took the tank. Since I didn't have the heart to leave the Oscar behind, he came home with me and his tank.

I could not help but fall in love with "Vincent" within hours of getting him set back up at my place. I was very surprised at how curious and playful he is! After finding this site, it seems like I'm not alone.

However, the problem is it was not my intention to keep a single-fish tank! I'm not looking for a big community tank, but I was hoping to keep 2 or 3 big fish. After reading this site, it looks like that will be difficult if not impossible in the long run with an Oscar in the group.

I'm debating finding a new home for Vincent, but he's really grown on me!! I'm more interested in keeping a pet than a decoration, so I'm worried if I go with other species of fish I'll be disappointed with their lack of personality. I realize this site is a bit biased, but can someone give me an objective opinion - if I go with a few Angelfish and a Pleco will they perform the same antics? Vincent likes to get his face right up to the glass and examine whoever is sitting by the couch next to him, he'll spit gravel around the tank, mouth-tug the heat wand, follow my finger along the tank side and gets right up the the water surface when I feed him. I'm hoping with time I can get him to hand-feed. Is this really unique to Oscars or will other fish do this?

I'm also considering putting the work and money into keeping Vincent and another fish in the 55 gal. I know from reading around here that you guys won't recommend it, but I'd really like to get him a buddy to pal around with! Maybe just one angelfish? At this point Vincent is 7 inches fin to mouth. With just a 5-6 inch angelfish as an addition it doesn't seem like there will be that much in the tank at this point. I have two HOB filters on it, both rated for a 60 gal tank. However, I'm willing to replace one of those with a good cannister filter to help with water quality issues (even one rated for a much bigger tank). I'm OK changing 20-30% of the water once or twice a week. Am I just deluding myself? My understanding is an Oscar will only grow 1-2 inches per year after the first year. Given that you need 2 gallons per inch of angel and 3 gallons per inch of Oscar, it seems like it won't really become an overstocked tank for at least 2-3 years.

Again, I'm new to this, but it just seems like he's not taking up that much room in there. The water has stayed crystal clear after three days and I'm willing to splurge on a big cannister filter in addition to a HOB. But, I don't want to make Vicent unhappy, and I can't afford to upgrade to a bigger tank & stand for at least a few years.

I'm kind of stuck. I've really bonded with Vincent, but I'd really like to have a mate swimming around in there with him!

Advice would be appreciated.

Firstly welcome to the site

I think that you have already established that 55 gallons is about the minimum we recommend for one adult Oscar. So I would advise you not to go out and buy any other fish, but obviously that is your call at the end of the day. I think many of us will agree that Oscars have got a personality all of their own and that no other fish really comes so if you're looking for personality in a fish, you have already got Vincent.

Angel fish are very nice but not really my cup of tea. If you're looking for personality in a fish, don't bother with a pleco, they are probably one of the most boring fish you can ever own, plus many of the ones that are readily available get far too big for a tank of your size

If you want to keep big fish you need a big aquarium, especially if you want more than one big fish. It sounds as if that is not an option for you. I'm sure you will enjoy having just the one Oscar, I'm sure that he will keep you amused

Hello and Welcome...

I am with OFL on this. You do NOT have enough tank to have any more fish. Vincent will keep you well amused and happy! He will also grow VERY quickly! Oscars reach 10-12 inches in the first 12-16 months... If he is only 7 in, you have a ways to go!

I also have Angels, and yes they are pretty and yes they are graceful swimmers, but they do not have a big personality.

My advice would be to play with Vincent for a few months and see what you think after that!

Good Luck!

I concur with OFL and Nickisue. Besides I only have one Oscar Leoa nd he is plenty of fish..I also have him in a 55 until I purchase my 125gallons in a few months.

if you are willing to invest time and effort is keeping a full grown oscar and
some tank mates in a 55 gal tank... it is doable...but the danger is, it may
burn out your enthusiasm in happy fish keeping. a lot of water change and tank
maintenance will be needed.

having said that, you may have 3 SD in there but yes, for just few months. when
you become tired on tank maintenance load, and become attached to your fishes,
an upgrade or another tank would just be an easy solution

I aggree with Paul, try a few sd's. An angel wouldnt last very long if the oscar decided to bully it so dont put one in. Also angels dont have the same personality as oscars