www.worldcichlids.com/faqs/oscarfaq.html#Anchor-Ho-52312

Any thoughts? According to this, you can have 1 Oscar in a 55 gallon tank and one more for each 20-30 gallons on top of that.

i have two oscars in a 88g, im doing 30% water changes twice a week, mine are only 4inch and everything is fine at the moment, ive lots of filtration, will have to wait and see further down the line, hope it works out, but if not its a good excuse to get a bigger tank, lol xxx

I would go along with the majority of the information on the FAQ section on World Cichlids. However, I think they have got it totally wrong suggesting that you can keep two Oscars in a 75 gallon aquarium, or even four Oscars in a 120 gallon tank.

I feel that a 75 is the minimum for a single oscar and add 30 gallons for each one after that. You will also need a longer tank. 48" is too short for 2 but it can be done providing they get along. Water turnover and filtration is your biggest problem. Less water means larger filtration is needed.

correct, and we're allways talking minimum size, but i still think a 150Gl/6' tank is certainly not too big for 2 Oscars.
Think big....your fish will love it.

Noddy wrote:


I certainly agree with you on that count! Where Oscars are concerned it's very true that "Bigger is better"!!!

I think one of the biggest mistakes made is that people will want a particular fish and then buy a tank they can afford even if it isn't ideal. Somehow, some way, people need to be convinced to buy a tank they can afford and then stock according to it's limits or save up the money until they can get an appropriate sized tank for the fish they want. Of course misinformed sales clerks don't help the situation.

One thing to remember tho guys is not everybody can afford or have room for a 100gal+ tank... I know I certainly cant afford or have the room for a big tank....or for the fact of the matter dont have the permission of the missus do get one...so its good to have the baseline figure of 55gal ...so that even Jippos like me can own these awesome fish...even if it is just one!! LOL

They may be right in theory but in practice its different. To keep 4 oscar in a 120g would mean loads and loads of maintainence, you wouldnt be able to skip a water change. Also it doesnt take into account that with 4 oscars you might get a pair which would make it impossible to keep another 1 or 2 oscar (they would be beaten and misearble). also it doesnt take into account any aggresion which is inevitable with 4 oscar in a 120g even without a pair.

To summarise it may be possible but in practise it would be a nightmare

STAFFIE wrote:


You can allways get another house, and another missus and have a bigger tank.

Nah, just take your time to re-educate her on the subject of keeping big fish.
Bigger tanks mean lower maintenance time and more time to spend with your gal!

STAFFIE wrote:


This is where a 75 comes in handy as it is only 5" deeper than a 55. 48x13 vs 48x18 is a world of difference when you are talking of a fish that gets 15-17" long. Those extra inches will allow room for a thick-bodied fish to be able to turn.

neva know ill see what the future holds but im in no rush to buy another tank as there alot of other things that take priority in my life (my kids)

She likes fish noddy but she likes space in the house more haha

STAFFIE wrote:

Well, get rid of the tv...
I started out fantasizing about a 600Gl tank and just kept planning for that and preparing my wife for a tank like that.
When i finally got my 180 it seemed not such a big deal anymore.
And keeping fish is very good for your kids education.