Re: Oscar in a 75 gallon

Question
QUESTION: hello Brian, you probably don't remember me but you've given me optomistic (at least more realistic) advice so I'm asking again:

I'm getting a new 75 gallon aquarium but I have everything for it already with bacteria as gravel, filter floss, ornaments, silk plants have already been 'aging' in our 150 indoor pond for months.  

I really was going to house community fish in there but I saw this forlorn looking oscar that was $19.00 at a fish store where they take them in from other customers, 'fix them' as they're usually in not great shape when they come in and resell them.  He/she is very healthy, not full grown but looks like about 9" so far.  

I have other small oscars in the 'pond' but am I being unrealistic in helping this 1 in particular?  I don't want to regret later but at the same time I feel sorry for it.  Would he/she be the only living creature in my 75 gallon?  

Thanks for any help!
Paula

ANSWER: Hello Paula:

I think that the 75 gallon aquarium would comfortably house the Oscar for it's life.  I also think that you could put another fish or two in with it (depending on the Oscars individual personality/temperament of course).  As an example I know one person that kept a Senegal Bichir with one Oscar in a 75 gallon aquarium for many years.  I have also heard of people that have either kept a few Pictus cats, Synodontis cats, or Silver Dollars with an Oscar in a similarly sized aquarium.  My belief is that the Oscar would not have to be the only fish in the aquarium, but it would be best not to add too many more.

Hope I could help,


Brian.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian, thank you.  One 'last' question.

Someone said they could give me a homemade tank that is very well sealed, etc. but diff. measurements:  41" long x 21" wide and about 14" high.

would this be too small to house the same Oscar for it's lifetime?

If so, I won't even bother 'rescuing' him.

Thanks again!
Paula

Answer
Hello Paula:

Wow, this is a tough one...in my opinion this size is right on the edge of what may or may not work for the life of the fish.  It may very well work, but if it were me I would probably play it safe and not count on it being sufficient for the entire life of the fish.  I wish I could give a more concrete answer but really in this case it would just be a guess on my part.

-Brian.