Hey guys. I have a 3 inch oscar in a 20 gallon tank. It is a suitable space for him? Is it enough? Thanks in advance.

yaiba wrote:


Hey yaiba.

Sorry my friend, no. Not even close. It might be suitable for several weeks while you look to obtain a bigger tank, however you need at the absolute minimum 55 gallons (even for a youngster), preferably 75. Check the main page articles for more info on your oscar.

x2, i saw your tanksize in your profile, and was waiting for this question.
you need a bigger tank, pronto!

when you get a new tank, you will still need to cycle the filter, which will take another 5-6 weeks and your oscar will grow an inch a month, so time is of the essence.

Do you have the money to upgrade right away?
if so, i say go for it.
55Gl in the minimum, but some more swimmingspace ,like a 75 or 90Gl will be greatly appreciated by your oscar.
plus this will make maintenance easier.
Bigger tanks are easier to care for.

Thanks guys. I know that he needs a bigger one. I've just thought that as for now he'll be fine with 20G since he's just merely 3 inches. Well, I'll be planning to get the 75G. Resources might not be a problem. Time might be a constraint due to my work schedule, but I'll work on it. Thanks.

Welcome to the site!

I started out with two 2" oscars in a 30 gallon tank. That lasted two months. I started having problems with my water levels and the fish were not happy. I upgraded to a 120 gallon and the roam freely with beautiful levels. These guys grow fast in the beginning. Start shopping craigslist if they have it where you live. There are great deals out there.

Good luck and happy fishing !

Brooksie

same here... i started keeping oscar in a small tank... and they never grew up..
they just die small....

if you were able to get the bigger tank, you can transfer all water from
the small tank together with the filter... just add some water to make
room for swimming... then gradually add water daily until the tank is
full...you don't need to wait several days for cycling...

a 3inch oscar will be fine in a 20g tank but not for long. They grow an inch per month and get massive. I would say you have about 2 months

So either order a 55g tank or bigger now or rehome your oscar. If you dont do this you will end up with a sick and then dead oscar!!!