Oscar Stocking 240 gallon

[JDCichlid]

I recently set up a 240 gallon tank for oscars and was wondering what size group I could keep in there as adults, if they’re the only fish in there. Deminsions are 72L x 30W x 26H. Running 2 FX6.

Currently growing out (2 albino red/yellow, 2 regular tigers, and 3 florida strain tigers). Would love to be able to keep 5 or 6 but curious on others thoughts. Thanks.

 

[tlindsey]

I recently set up a 240 gallon tank for oscars and was wondering what size group I could keep in there as adults, if they’re the only fish in there. Deminsions are 72L x 30W x 26H. Running 2 FX6.

Currently growing out (2 albino red/yellow, 2 regular tigers, and 3 florida strain tigers). Would love to be able to keep 5 or 6 but curious on others thoughts. Thanks.

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I would personally keep 2 in the 240 gallon for life. When the Oscar’s fully mature the aquarium won't be as spacious.

 

[JDCichlid]

I would personally keep 2 in the 240 gallon for life. When the Oscar’s fully mature the aquarium won't be as spacious.

I’ve kept a pair in a standard 125, granted maintenance was a chore. Really figured I could have more considering this is almost double the tank size.

 

[duanes]

I would personally keep 2 in the 240 gallon for life. When the Oscar’s fully mature the aquarium won't be as spacious.

Agree with tlindsey.
You may be able to keep 3, but.....That would mean you water change schedule would need to reflect the extra waste, as they grow, to keep nitrate at 5ppm or below, or HITH disease will become chronically problematic as they grow.
In my 300 gal system that means 30-40% water changes every other day (and I keep smaller cichlids than oscars).

 

[JDCichlid]

Agree with tlindsey.
You may be able to keep 3, but.....That would mean you water change schedule would need to reflect the extra waste, as they grow, to keep nitrate at 5ppm or below, or HITH disease will become chronically problematic as they grow.
In my 300 gal system that means 30-40% water changes every other day (and I keep smaller cichlids than oscars).

wow well I guess I’ll grow them out and hopefully get a pair and just keep those 2. On a side note I’ve never really struggled with nitrates. I just removed 10 convicts, 7 eight inch Midas grow outs, a large green sunfish, and 2 10 inch gold spot plecos from that tank and only changed water every two weeks about 33%. And I feed heavy. Maybe it’s all the huge pothos I keep in my tank sucking out the nitrates I don’t know. Regardless I’ve kept Oscar’s before that reached close to 15-16 inches so I’ll just try for a pair.

 

[EricTheRed]

This is a gray area with your relatively spacious tank and experience with proper water maintenance. If you find 3 that get along well when they get older, I am confident they would remain comfortable in your 240G for life.