Oscar in 40 gal breeder

G

gspille

AC Members
Jan 5, 2008
325
2
18
Illinois
My wife and I had dinner last night at a co-worker's home. They have an oscar in a 40 gallon breeder tank. They've had him in it for 4 years now, and he's about a foot long. Anyway, I commented to them that I thought he may need to be in a larger tank. They asked me why, and I told them I'm going by what I've read on internet sites such as this and others.

They're wanting to know reasons why because their fish seems to be just fine in that set up. Thanks for any input.
 
In effect, they are shortening the fish's life span and can cause health issues. It is called stunting as a common term, where the fish internals continue to develop. Fish also need a certain amount of space, like any creature. Basically they are torturing the fish to an early death.

Do they have other pets? Would they keep a dog in a 2 ft by 3ft kennel forever with out letting it out? Would they be willing to live in a 6 ft by 6 ft room forever?
 
:iagree:
 
I've told them I think they should just do some research. I'm just leaving it at that because I don't feel like arguing with them over their fish set up.
 
I agree with Rb. You should consider fish like any other pet. If the tank was a growout, you could treat it like a kennel for a dog, almost: He's in there for a small amount of time, then he's in a bigger tank. Even if you have a big dog in a small house, it still gets to go outside (usually). Fish have to live in the same space until they die.

Besides, oscars commonly reach 18". At two thirds of his full length, he needs an upgrade. At least a 55g, but much better would be a 75g.
 
The only oscar I've ever had was in my 55 gal with a pleco. I made the mistake of adding a green terror for a while, I thought anyway, and left town on business for 2 days and returned to find the oscar beaten almost to death.

I agree that the 40 is way small.
 
In a tank that size ([FONT=verdana, helvetica, geneva]36" x 18" x 16"?) he has only 6 extra inches to turn around. When (if) he reaches maximum size he wont be able to at all. Not to mention that tank will eventually be only twice the length of the fish.
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Big fish small tank also promotes disease/parasites especially if you dont keep the water changed regularly. Oscars are super prone to hole in the head disease.
 
IMO, He needs a 90G to himself. 40B are great grow-out tanks for young Oscars, but totally unsuitable for a 12"+ adult.
 
I had them read this thread so they could see what others think. Now they're talking about getting rid of the oscar because the wife doesn't want a bigger tank.
 
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