Beginning First Tank with Oscar

[GSXKod]

Hello, I am new to the fish world. I dont have an oscar yet, i am still setting up my tank and getting everything up and running. I was wondering what all you fish lovers out there could tell me about mainting an oscar and keeping it as healthy as possible. Is there any other fish i could put with a baby oscar that it wouldnt bother? What kind of bottom do i need, rock, sand, etc. What types of things does it need such as hiding places? Thanks for all your help!

 

[DannyBoy17]

First things first: Tank size?

DB

 

[GSXKod]

well, i have to be honest its only a 29 gallon, i am a poor college student that couldnt afford much more, but really want an oscar, i know some other people that have gotten by with a 29 gallon tank with one oscar so i am going to give it a whirl. I have read minimums anywhere from 50 to 70 gallons so i know i am a bit under. I got the tank with a kit with a heater, filter and all.

 

[DannyBoy17]

That'll do for a while. I've got a 5'' guy in a 29g for about another month.

You'll want to feed him cheap live foods once he's big enough to eat them (I am poor too lol, damn expensive hobby). Any type of bottom will do, a hiding place is preffered. These are very hardy fish, but make sure you do water changes small/week, large/weekly (it's up to you). As for other fish...in a 29g you'll have some trouble, maybe a pleco, or some Khuli Loaches. He'll eat anything he can though.

Tip- If he gets really pale and loses some colour, he is very stressed.

If you decide to get rid of him, contact me, I'll pay shipping. I have a great N.W Cichlid tank for him.

DB

 

[sylvia]

Don't put anything else with him if you plan to keep him in a 29 gallon for long. 55 gallons is the absolute minnimum for a single oscar. You will need to do extra water changes as he gets bigger (twice a week at least)and you need to monitor your water parameters. You will eventualy have to upgrade so only get the oscar if you KNOW you can afford a bigger tank in the pretty near future. Remember this is a life, not an ornament, don't get the fish just because YOU want to if IT isn't going to be happy. Sounds like this is your first tank? Read through the links in my signature. Fish-keeping isn't just about fish.

 

[Vip]

With the amount of money you are going to have to spend on filters for that tank you could buy a 2nd hand 55g for sure, Oscars are a very VERY messy fish who let out toxic waste into the tanks, thats why we have such big filters on the tanks.
As for tank mates there isnt a hope in hell of it, a oscar in a 29g will not accept it, i to have a small oscar in a small tank and already he kills anything that will try to come into his tank including me!
With putting a oscar in such a small tank you will need alot of cash for meds as he will most likly get sick or even worse get HITH (Hole In The Head) i have had this problem with my small tanks and it does cause pain to the fish and is really ugly, i can show you pics if you wish but i dont think you want to see them!

Click this link and it will make you understand why small tanks are a no no for larger New World Cichlids.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=68882