Tank Size for Three (3) Oscars
- Thread starter AKKADIAN
- Start date
I agree about a 300 gal.
I'm staring at my 180 at the moment, and trying to imagine 3 adult oscars in it, and to me it seems a bit wimpy.
Besides the lack of actually space, water quality and how much water would need to be changed in a tank that small, needed to keep them healthy might be more time and work than one might be willing to put in.
Since oscars are prone to hole in the head and other diseases related to stress (from high nitrates, cramped conditions, etc) in a 180, no matter how much filtration is provided, an almost daily or minimum every other day 40-50% water change might be required to keep them from being scarred up as they reach adulthood. The larger the tank, the better.
My minimal rule of thumb is 10 gallons per inch of adult cichlid.
So 3 oscars 12-14" long, add the height 6", and add the width, @3", is "minimum" 230 gallons.
I'm staring at my 180 at the moment, and trying to imagine 3 adult oscars in it, and to me it seems a bit wimpy.
Besides the lack of actually space, water quality and how much water would need to be changed in a tank that small, needed to keep them healthy might be more time and work than one might be willing to put in.
Since oscars are prone to hole in the head and other diseases related to stress (from high nitrates, cramped conditions, etc) in a 180, no matter how much filtration is provided, an almost daily or minimum every other day 40-50% water change might be required to keep them from being scarred up as they reach adulthood. The larger the tank, the better.
My minimal rule of thumb is 10 gallons per inch of adult cichlid.
So 3 oscars 12-14" long, add the height 6", and add the width, @3", is "minimum" 230 gallons.
With 3, chances are that the cichlid on the bottom hierarchy will receive the most beatings from the other 2.
You could get away with a 6x2x2 if you manage the bio load with lots of water changes and over-filtration unless the oscars tell otherwise. If your lucky they all live in harmony.
Best to set up a pond for them
looking back at that picture makes me want to set up a pond for some. Hmmm.....
looking back at that picture makes me want to set up a pond for some. Hmmm.....
300 Gallons minimum and some other fish to add distraction hopefully to the tank so that there's no serious aggression towards the low man on the totem pole.