Keeping a single fish vs. more

[Shockadine]

I have this big space in my living room that could fit a huge tank. I was looking at a 240 gallon tank. It fits there perfect. I like to go all out for my pets if I can, so I just want to know what would be best. I'm not a huge fish lover, but I have absolutely loved oscars forever. I have kept fish tanks before when I lived with my parents. We almost always had fish. We once had 2 oscars together in the same tank and they never really seemed to care about each other. I admit the tank was a little small for them. I loved those guys. They had such personality. I've heard of people saying that the strongest one will pick on the others if there are only 2 or 3. We didn't really have that problem. Is that dependent on tank size or the individuals? I'd be willing to stick with just one, as I'm decorating with the tank not the fish. I just want to know what the pros and cons of keeping a single fish verses 2 or more. They would all be oscars. I know oscars get big and they can be aggressive. What's best way to avoid problems between them?

[Bettachris]

the problem is larger cichlids are always unpredictable. there is no set rule with keeping 1 or more if they would fighting.

while yes in theory and alot of cases suggest that two oscars may fight, it isnt the casewith all oscars. for example i have two downstairs that arent fighting.


When youtink about it, the largest oscars will reach close to20 inches. in miami where they are running wild, they may fight eachother for territory.


So what im getting at, is i believe it is more on a fish to fish bases rather than a rule.


in a 240 gallon, 2 oscars would be fine. The only issue if you got more would be the issue of breeding. the max i would get is 4 oscars. Most likely one pair will form and chase the others. Your tank will be large enough, but you will need to divide the tank so the others will be seperate from the pair.

[lindsayanng]

if your not a huge fish lover, maybe a huge tank like that isnt right for you. Fish are a lot of work, more than you might think.You will have to learn about the correct water perameters for the type of fish youa re getting, and how to actually acheive those parameters.

Having a tank is really a daily job, and with a tank that huge, water changes can take HOURS unless you have a plumbing system..

[Ltlpistol]

My mom had a 150 gal tank when I was a kid, that she had several fish in, and her oscar was over a foot long. He would come to the top of the tank so she could pet him.

[lindsayanng]

your mom sucessfully kept oscars with other fish>> they must have been HUGE fist!

[Shockadine]

if your not a huge fish lover, maybe a huge tank like that isnt right for you. Fish are a lot of work, more than you might think.You will have to learn about the correct water perameters for the type of fish youa re getting, and how to actually acheive those parameters.

Having a tank is really a daily job, and with a tank that huge, water changes can take HOURS unless you have a plumbing system..

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't consider them if I wasn't willing to research and put in the effort and spend the time and money. What I really meant by that statement was that oscars were the only fish I ever had that I really got into. I love them, and I'd love to keep them again. I spend most of my day at home with my pets. Taking care of them is what makes my day.

To everyone that responded, thanks for the input.

[TIFFERS]

...I'm a goldfish person. I guess because I don't have time for more involved fish. I have three MASSIVE goldfish...each with their own personality and each looking completely different. The bigger they get, the prettier they are. :] But, of course...they're incredibly dirty and most people don't like that.

[rockyzeus]

my thoughs are that in such a big tank i think it would be alot more fun to watch more then one fish and as long as you stick with fish that are in the same class you should not have a problem what i mean by that is there are commuity fish there are aggesive fish you need to pick from the same catagory for them to get along good luck