So two things I've read about filters for an Oscar. 1) don't use carbon 2) more is better. Should use a little overkill, what's the best option for a filter? Say for a 55 gallon, or possibly a 150 gallon?

A canister that is built for a 100+ tank is perfect... but if you are anything like the rest of us, you will soon have a bigger tank, then need a bigger filter... I love the Fluval FX5. lol

there is a big differenc between filtering a 55 and a 150. for a 55 i would recommend a fluval 405 and for a 150 a fluval fx5
now if you plan on upgrading soon you might be able to use an fx5 on a 55 but the flow could be a bit much for the tank.
whenit come to filtration you need a definete tanksize on which to base the amount of filtration.

Well my options are get to the 55(a friend has one I can take), because right now its 29, and that is wholly temporary. But today I found a used 150 at the store that I think I might get, and just skip some upgrades, then I'd simply just let him grow into his environment.

Is that fx5 the $500 filter I saw at the store today? It was a fluval.

Fx5 isn't $500, maybe around 350?

cool. I saw that thing and thought: "watch, I'm gonna need a 500 dollar filter..." but the 150 gallon tank is a steal with a stand at $500 itself. At least compared to brand new tanks. My friend with the 55 gallon thinks I can find a bigger tank for even less, but I'm not so optimistic.

I would go for the larger tank if you can afford it rather than having to upgrade later...plus the larger one would always be better for the fish even if they are smaller right now...they grow fast!

Also some members here have found their fluval FX5's on ebay pretty cheap...i've seen a couple on there for around $200.

OscarTheAstronaut wrote:


a 150 with a stand and everything isn't too badly priced at 500 bucks...you might be able to find a cheaper one but that one isn't a bad deal either....plus the 55 is still too small for one oscar so if you can go for the 150 it would be worth it.

i personally run two of the biggest filters rena makes, the xp4. each is rated for a 265 gallon tank, considering my tank is only about 235 gallons it means i have more than double cappacity for my tank. i think messy fish like oscars both need and appreciate the extra filtration.

personally i run the 2 biggest filters on the market on my 180 and they are rated for 400 gallon each and should i choose to start another 180 all i have to do is move one to the new tank but what does that have to do with the op original question??

55 or 100 gallon, I would always go with the canister filter over anything else. If you've got the funds, go for 2 canister filters on the 100 gallon tank, many tanks have got all the holes cut out in the Cabinet and slots cutouts in the glass so you can put the pipework in.

Going overboard with filtration is always a good idea when you keep Oscars. They are so messy, under filtration will mean poor water quality and a dirty tank.

and the least advantage but more practical is having two pumps running will give you an advantage when one bugged down, you are still covered.