Oscars in a 28 gallon tank

Question
I have a bow front 28 gallon tank, and would like to get an Oscar.  I realize
this is below the recommended amount of space, but my brother has kept an
Oscar for 9 years in a 29 gallon tank, and he says it has been fine.  I believe I
can handle the bio-mass with a high performance canister filter.  The only
thing i am worried about is the amount of space.  Is it possible for me to do
this?  

If it is not possible, what kind of fish that would be able to go in this tank are
most like  Oscars?  What would you recommend I put in the tank?

Best regards,
Ryan

Answer
Hi Ryan,
  You might be able to do it, but I do not recommend it.  An adult oscar grows to between 12 and 16 inches and should be in at least a 55 gallon tank.  In either case, a filter alone is not going to do it.  You need to be changing 25% of the water once a week, every week to keep an oscar happy and healthy.   

 For a 29 gallon tank, I would suggest perhaps a texas cichlid.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>