I'm looking for suggestions from experienced members as to what they would recommend regarding how many Oscars for a 180 (US)?...I was thinking about 3 w/ some tankmates. As well, are Oscars tolerant of a strong current (ex. Koralia 4 powerhead)? Thanks to all for your help!

three is a bad number when it comes to oscars. if by chance you get a pair then the third will be harrased and beaten. i would recommend 2 oscars and maybe 3-4 tankmates in a 180.


btw welcome to the site

necromancer4 wrote:

i concur with necro on this....
yes, orcar can tolerate strong current inside the tank... anyway, you can set
it up to have a slow movement down under.

necromancer4 wrote:


X3. i have had 3 and 4 in a USA 180g. you are better off with 2 and mates, or 1 with more mates. you have a very good chance of fighting breaking out with 3/4.

Thanks for the advice!...as far as mates go, how about the following:
Firemouth, Red Texas, Clown Loaches?

lol a red texas is $300+ fish.... so good luck to you with that. i do believe if i spent 300 dollars or more on a fish, it would be in a tank by itself, i damn sure wouldnt give some oscars a chance to beat it up.

I'm well aware of the cost of a TRUE Red Texas...but the question was regarding potential compatibility, not cost.

personally i dont like hybrids but if its a red texas you want then go for it. as for compatibility with your oscars then that could turn out to be a problem. when the texas is small they are for lack of a better term whimps but as they grow the will become more aggressive and will definetly become the dominate fish in your tank.
so at first you should be concerned about the oscars beating on the texas but later the roles will reverse and the texas will more than likely put the beats on your oscars.

good luck with your stocking......

i agree with the lads on the 3 oscar dilema.

and iv never heard fo a red texas but if they r as expensive as win says i woudlnt bother as for clown loaches they make fantastic tank mates, fire mouthes can be hit and miss but can be ok...go for a sevarum!

Remember clown loaches grow slowly so dont get small ones when stocking the tank- go for 3-4 inches. They get expensive at this size