Questions about Oscars

"Papa Red" <PapaRed.DeleteThis@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:23081-43F2DD66-291@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net...
I am seriously considering going over to my LFS sometime in the next few
days, and if the same Oscar that I saw there today is still there, I am
going to purchase it, unless you folks can convince me that I shouldn't.
I currently have a 30 gallon aquarium that the Oscar can call it's
home. The fish currently living in there, three small Bala sharks and
three small Gouramis will be traded in. I have a ten gallon tank with a
cracked glass that I could raise crickets in, to feed the Oscar. And
there is a petro station nearby that sells frozen bait shrimp, as well
as other frozen fishing bait, to also feed the Oscar.
Of the Oscars that my local shop has, only the one that I want to
purchase is not an unattractive whitish flesh colour. The particular
Oscar that I want is one that is predominantly greenish-black in color.
And it seems far more alert and observant of the things that are going
on around it, than any of the others that are there for sale. Also, I
have no idea how to tell it's gender, but if I do purchase it, I think
that I will call it "Fred". Any help on the pros and cons of owning an
Oscar would be very much appreciated, as well as just how fast one that
is currently only 2½ to three inches long would outgrow it's thirty
gallon tank. Thanks.~Dean.

Please don't buy an Oscar for a 30g tank, you need twice the size. Before
you know it, the poor Oscar won't even be able to turn around in the tank.
Then you will have to sell it, give it away (not likely), or get a new tank.
No offence meant, but I must surmise from you previous posts, that you are
not really in a position to purchase bigger tanks. I would urge you to not
buy the Oscar.
Rick
 >> Stay informed about: Questions about Oscars 

Previous post follows.

Oscars have been kept successfully in 30 gallon tanks for a long, long time,
especially pre-1960s when silicone aquarium sealant was not available and
larger tanks were very expensive and rare. However, I think you'll discover
that the consensus these days is that Oscars should be kept singly in a 55
or larger, and pairs need 75 or larger. Your new Oscar (should you purchase
him) will grow out of his 30 in less than a year, so you'll need to start
saving right away! :-)

Owning an Oscar will change fishkeeping for you forever. They define
tropical fish as "pets" -- they are like puppy dogs, excited to see you,
personable, big eaters. I say get the Oscar and start looking and saving for
a new home for him. An appropriate sized tank for a single Oscar with
filtration etc. shouldn't run you more than $150 --

Mark Stone
The ".Edu" meens i are smart.
"Papa Red" <PapaRed DeleteThis @webtv.net> wrote in message
news:23081-43F2DD66-291@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net...
I am seriously considering going over to my LFS sometime in the next few
days, and if the same Oscar that I saw there today is still there, I am
going to purchase it, unless you folks can convince me that I shouldn't.
I currently have a 30 gallon aquarium that the Oscar can call it's
home. The fish currently living in there, three small Bala sharks and
three small Gouramis will be traded in. I have a ten gallon tank with a
cracked glass that I could raise crickets in, to feed the Oscar. And
there is a petro station nearby that sells frozen bait shrimp, as well
as other frozen fishing bait, to also feed the Oscar.
Of the Oscars that my local shop has, only the one that I want to
purchase is not an unattractive whitish flesh colour. The particular
Oscar that I want is one that is predominantly greenish-black in color.
And it seems far more alert and observant of the things that are going
on around it, than any of the others that are there for sale. Also, I
have no idea how to tell it's gender, but if I do purchase it, I think
that I will call it "Fred". Any help on the pros and cons of owning an
Oscar would be very much appreciated, as well as just how fast one that
is currently only 2½ to three inches long would outgrow it's thirty
gallon tank. Thanks.~Dean.
 >> Stay informed about: Questions about Oscars 

I have reconsidered,...I will not be getting an Oscar, as tempting as it
may be,...for on Social Security Disability, especially with Bush's new
ludicrous medcare/ medicaid plan, and all of the other cuts in my
housing assistance, and food stamps [I get $10 worth of food stamps per
month!], it just wouldn't be right. But thanks for y'alls help, folks.
~Dean.
 >> Stay informed about: Questions about Oscars 

Papa Red wrote:
> I have reconsidered,...I will not be getting an Oscar, as tempting as it
> may be,...for on Social Security Disability, especially with Bush's new
> ludicrous medcare/ medicaid plan, and all of the other cuts in my
> housing assistance, and food stamps [I get $10 worth of food stamps per
> month!], it just wouldn't be right. But thanks for y'alls help, folks.
> ~Dean.
>

You probably already know this but you might keep an eye in the paper
for someone getting rid of their tank. People move all the time and they
seem to not want to take their heavy tanks. Every now and then I find a
offer in the thrifty nickel which is a free paper.

Best of Luck

Erik
 >> Stay informed about: Questions about Oscars