Oscar Tank Mate Ideas

[BigStepper54]

I just upgraded my 2 Oscars (both 7") to a 220 gallon tank. I am looking for some tank mate ideas. I have done a lot of research about possible tankmates for Oscars. I am just wanting to know if anyone has some cool ideas or has had some experiences in the past with Oscars. I like the idea of Severums but I for sure want to get a Pleco for the tank. Just interested in some ideas.

 

[Colin_T]

Most common plecos grow to 18+ inches and need a bigger tank. Anything smaller will probably get eaten.

Oscars are territorial ambush predators that don't like tank mates with the exception of a partner that they choose. If the Oscars were 2-3 inches you could add other fish and hope they get along when the Oscars mature, but adding anything to a tank with two x 7 inch Oscars is asking for trouble.

You need to change the angle the bits of coral are set up at. The fish could panic and swim into them and get damaged. the pointy bits should be facing downwards. If you want something to increase the pH then use limestone rocks instead of coral.

 

[BigStepper54]

Most common plecos grow to 18+ inches and need a bigger tank. Anything smaller will probably get eaten.

Oscars are territorial ambush predators that don't like tank mates with the exception of a partner that they choose. If the Oscars were 2-3 inches you could add other fish and hope they get along when the Oscars mature, but adding anything to a tank with two x 7 inch Oscars is asking for trouble.

You need to change the angle the bits of coral are set up at. The fish could panic and swim into them and get damaged. the pointy bits should be facing downwards. If you want something to increase the pH then use limestone rocks instead of coral.

They are not coral they are deer antlers but I get your point (pun intended). These girls are pretty docile. I have a back up tank if things don't work.

 

[Magnum Man]

Pleco’s work well, as long as you start with big enough critters… I had Oscar’s 25 years ago, and had a couple Royal pleco’s in with the Oscars… they are not particularly good glass cleaner, and have a tendency to eat wood, but get big enough, and look interesting… you could probably also get by with a few larger sized Silver Dollars…

L014 Sunshine Pleco (Scobiancistrus aureautus)

Also known as the Goldie Pleco, this is another all time favorite in the hobby. It is a pleco that can put on some size. 12 to 14 inches. Very vibrant colors and and good tank cleaner for left over foods.

www.predatoryfins.com

L330 Watermelon Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus laurafabianae)

This pleco is also known as the Spotted Royal Pleco and Spotted Watermelon Pleco. They can reach up to 16 inches.

www.predatoryfins.com

These are what I kept with my Oscars back then…

Royal Pleco - (Panaque nigrolineatus - L190) - Discus Madness

LIVE FISH SHIPPING COSTS GO BY ZONE Click Here To Find Your Zone T316

www.discusmadness.com

I have a few of these in my bichir tank right now...

 

[emeraldking]

Love it! A school of these fish would be insane beautiful...

View attachment 353182

The blond variety looks very intersting. Haven't seen such one in our country before.

 

[Magnum Man]

I think the antlers are interesting... aside from the poking during occasional scuffles ( they could be turned down ) but I expect they will slowly dissolve in the tank, making the water harder, than what you may be wanting, with Oscars in the tank... not sure what your water conditions are, but I'd expect it would be similar to running coral in a tank, & raise the calcium level???

 

[Magnum Man]

@emeraldking... I'm considering moving my Tiger to my Cichlid tank... it's hard to photograph in the tank it's in currently... the "color" comes from maturity... they all start out silver with the black stripes... there is another member here, that has several mature "tigers"

 

[BigStepper54]

I think the antlers are interesting... aside from the poking during occasional scuffles ( they could be turned down ) but I expect they will slowly dissolve in the tank, making the water harder, than what you may be wanting, with Oscars in the tank... not sure what your water conditions are, but I'd expect it would be similar to running coral in a tank, & raise the calcium level???

I saw another aquarist with deer antlers in his tank that's where I got the idea I thought it look pretty neat.

 

[Magnum Man]

I think it also looks pretty cool… but may be better with rift lake cichlids, than Sout American