Ok peeps...

Can't wait for the weekend to work on my tank again...with 10-13 hours shifts during the week...just cant seem to find time to complete my aquarium...grrrrrr

As such...I was wondering if any of you could help me/shed some light...

I have a 175 gallon (650 odd liter) tank that I'm busy prepping for oscars. In the long run I only wanna have two adults in there...enough space for them to enjoy themselves...

But...

Do I simply buy 2 juveniles and hope they grow up to live in harmony? Or do I buy 6 and wait for two to pair off before getting new homes for the other 4?

Some advice pleaseeeeeeeee

Before any of you think I'm a lazy gint...the 10-13 hours shifts during the week is 10-13 hours per day, lol

OK Hun, I see your dilemma..

The problem with pairing Oscars is they don't reach sexual maturity until they are give or take 2 years old...

So you can buy 6 and wait, but you DO NOT have enough tank space for 6 adult Oscars.

Or you can take your chance with 2.

Now I think if you can get 2 Oscars to live in harmony, you have something great. I have 2 pair, two O's in each tank. Now I have no idea what sex they are as I have never gotten eggs... But I often ask myself, what the hell would I do with 1000 baby Oscars anyway??

And on the same note, IF you do get eggs, there is no guarantee they will survive anyway.. SO I say pick a couple, and wait and see!

Good luck Hun, and I hope this was some help!

Oscars have unique personalities. I bought two babies - less than 2" a piece. They're about 9 months old now, and I've been very lucky - they seem to be a pair - no fighting and they get along great. Since they're not fighting, I'm going to guess that they aren't a pair of males - but it's impossible to tell.

If your experience is similar to mine, buying two at the same time and letting them grow together would work great. I'm sure there are other stories where this hasn't worked out so well.

The negative about buying a group is- what would you do with the extras after they've grown and you only want to keep two?

Certainly the two would be very happy in such a large tank - they will be lucky indeed!!

Be sure to post updates of your progress!

Thanks for the replies,

Don't get me wrong...I don't have the urge to breed them...just thought if they pair off (even if they dont breed) the chances of them living in harmony is better.

Then again...if I simply try my luck with 2 juvi's and them baing in a 175g tank...I'm sure they'll have their own "territories" and fighting, mood swings, etc will be kept to a minimum...right?

With Oscars it is always a GUESS! You never know, you have a pretty good shot of picking up a male and female, or two females...

All you can do is pick your babies and be prepared with a back up plan... In a tank that size I would keep a divider on hand!

Nicki--Sue wrote:


Will perspex be sufficient as a divider? Or does it have to be glass?

I'm sure someone with more Oscar experience than I will jump in here; but from what I've read over the past months on this board, it seems the trend of fighting comes from too cramped of quarters - with a 175 gallon - that won't be the case for you!!

I have really enjoyed watching my two grow up together and how they interact with each other. I'm sure you will find the same delight - a very relaxing way to unwind - especially after those long shifts of yours!

I am not sure what "Perpex" is... But there are a number of things that work well, just remember that the water still needs to flow between the 2 sides of the tank.. Some people have used plexi glass, and drill holes, some people use plastic egg crate stuff, I have glass so that is what I have used. As long as the water gets through but the fish don't... You will be good to go!