To create a suitable aquarium environment for Oscar fish, it is necessary to comprehensively consider their body size (adults can reach over 30 cm), the characteristics of their native South American waters, and their active and lively personality. Here are professional setup suggestions:
1. Basic Configuration
Tank Selection
It is recommended to choose an ultra-white tank with a length of ≥1.2 meters and a width of ≥50 cm to provide sufficient swimming space. The height is suggested to be 40-50 cm, which balances ornamental value and the convenience of water changes.
Water Quality Management
Maintain the water temperature at 26-28°C, pH value at 6.5-7.5, and hardness at 6-10°dH.
Equip a high-power filtration system (such as an undergravel filter or external filter canister), and replace 1/3 of the water volume every week.
2. Landscaping Elements
Substrate Design
Use dark fine sand (such as Amazon black sand) or 1-3mm stream sand with a thickness of 3-5 cm, which is convenient for displaying their sand-sifting habits. Pebbles can be laid locally to simulate a natural riverbed.
Hardscape Construction
Driftwood: Choose natural driftwood with a rough shape, boil it before use, and it releases tannic acid to simulate the native environment.
Rocks: Stack dragon stone/turtle shell stone to form cave structures, and pay attention to fixing them to prevent collapse.
Plant Configuration
It is recommended to use shade-tolerant aquatic plants that are resistant to nibbling:
Mid-ground and background: Large Anubias (tied to driftwood)
Foreground: Cryptocoryne species (such as Mini Cryptocoryne)
Floating plants: Salvinia natans/Water lettuce (to provide shading)
3. Precautions
Space
At least 1/2 of the water volume should be reserved as a swimming area to avoid complex landscaping restricting their activities.
Safety Protection
Cover with a glass cover to prevent jumping out of the tank, and choose explosion-proof LED for lighting.
Tankmate Suggestions
They can be paired with cichlids of the same size (such as Ruby fish), and small fish should be avoided as they may be eaten.