180 gallon stock idea

[white specter crayfish]

Okay, I'll look to see if I can upgrade in the future, but for sure I wont do rays. Thanks

No problem, it's great to see someone so excited to get a fish they've dreamed of getting

 

[Hendre]

Agreed on rays... And a 180 will be fine for an ornate.

Maybe stick with the SA theme? Get some Geophagus or the likes. If the oscar isn't a fan maybe more plecs? Not too clued in on these fish so just an idea.

 

[PYRU]

The 180 is too small for stock list and Tbh the bioload would be extremely hard to maintain. Most Ray keepers have their aquariums on a drip system. I also would suggest a sump over a canister filter. Welcome aboard

I agree. 50% wc a week isn't going to cut it either.

 

[lulumallick]

Oscars are cool fishes with some attitude. They are easy to keep when quality feeding, good filtration and space provided. From last 2years I am keeping and raising them from baby fish to large size.

 

[esoxlucius]

I have heard that too, that's why I'm running a larger canister and plan on doing 2 25%water changes a week

You need to drastically rethink this maintainance strategy, even if you go with a slightly thinner stock than your proposed wish list. I'm betting that your 2x25% changes will lead to a very quick nitrate creep. Once a week fin level will be better, though nitrate testing for the first few weeks will tell you exactly where you need to be.