How many Oscars in a 150?

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Bob24

Feeder Fish
May 28, 2007
4
0
0
Minnesota
I just got a brand new 6 foot 150 gallon tank all set up. I know I am going to do some Oscars, but am stuck on just how many would be prudent. I have heard they do better in even numbers. So, I would just get 2 or 4 and then maybe some dither fish like silver dollars.

How many O's do you guys think will work? And does it matter what kind they are (albino, tiger, red, etc)?
 
Welcome to MFK!!!

In my experience, only a M/F adult pair should be kept in a 150. Multiple males will likely battle constantly in a tank that size. Try other fish near their size like red bay snooks. My pair of Os and quad of snooks get along just fine in a 180.
 
for a little while they will be fine

like 6-8 months and lots of filtration because they are very messy

:]
 
lol, i don't think, i know Oddball is right. You MAY get lucky and they may all be fine together IF you get them all at the same time and they are tankmates from the beginning. But even that is no guarantee they will be ok together forever.

we got lucky with our two.. they tried hanging out with the other fish in the big tank, but no one liked them. so they started hanging out together. But i've never tried to keep the snooks with them.. the oscars are in a tank with the RTC and a huge (at least to me) pleco. Anything else added to their tank should fear for it's life.. they don't like new things, not even new tank decorations.
 
Bob24;883920; said:
I just got a brand new 6 foot 150 gallon tank all set up. I know I am going to do some Oscars, but am stuck on just how many would be prudent. I have heard they do better in even numbers. So, I would just get 2 or 4 and then maybe some dither fish like silver dollars.

How many O's do you guys think will work? And does it matter what kind they are (albino, tiger, red, etc)?


None! Oscars are pigs! Get some decent fish! :ROFL: Seriously, oddball is right, a pair would be best. Others may fight when mature. Color is just a matter of choice, it doesn't matter. I have bred and raised O's when I was young and foolish.:screwy: Sooner or later, their behaviour, the mess, it just gets old unless you are one who loves these fish, and can tolerate it. For me however, it was an exciting day when I finally got rid of my last Oscar.
 
Oddball;883924; said:
Welcome to MFK!!!

In my experience, only a M/F adult pair should be kept in a 150. Multiple males will likely battle constantly in a tank that size. Try other fish near their size like red bay snooks. My pair of Os and quad of snooks get along just fine in a 180.

I agree with Oddball, a pair would be perfect.
 
A pair it will be! I am going to get a small albino tiger and a regular tiger. I just need to decide what else to put in there with them. I am leaning towards a small school of silver dollars (3-5). I wouldn't mind another bigger fish or two, but I want as much harmony in the tank as possible.

I have two Rena XP 3's running for filtration. I might add a third if the two don't keep up. I want the water to be crystal clear and will spend what I need to (within reason).

I actually like Pacus, but I know a 150 wouldn't be big enough for one.
 
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