hi there i am new so if anybody could help me please help i have a tiger oscar about 3-4 inches in a 37 gall but i will move him as soon he gets big i will move him into a 55 gall. i got him about week ago, but it happen today. he not actively moving about in the tank. it seems that he is slowing it down and swimming kinda slow. i not sure but i think he having trouble defecating(poop) cause i sat there and watch for about 10-15 min still there. i could be wrong. he kinda have this greenish color on his forehead is that normal? he is also not eating the food that i give him now. a week ago he eats it like crazy but i use the omega one cichlid pellets. i also feed freeze dried bloodworm. please somebody help!!

what are your water parameters (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, etc.)? it could be from poor water quality - best to rule that out first

kinda new about this how do i check?

I would assume your tank probably isn't 'cycled' since you are not familiar with water testing and how to do it...correct?

www.oscarfishlover.com/helpful-articles/cycling-an-aquarium


-- have you treated the tapwater with anything so far?

-- what kind of filter do you have?

--where did you get him? Fish store? If so, what did they tell you to do to get the tank ready, if anything?



First thing is to read the 'Helpful Articles' section at the top of the page...as much as you can.

I am thinking he is being poisoned by the water conditions you have him in. If the tank isn't cycled the ammonia builds up from the fish waste and it is highly toxic to fish, and probably will not manifest itself into any telltale symptoms until a couple days to a week have past...i.e. right about now.

If you haven't added a declorinator to the tap water the chlorine is also highly toxic, although I'm betting if you did get him at a fish store they probably just sent you off with the fish, the filter, and some tap water conditioner and said that's fine.

sounds to me like your tank isnt cycled. Do daily water changes of 25% and get a test kit for Ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (bottle types, not strips). Check the link johnny gave you for info about cycling

here is a bit more information about water testing

many of us use the API brand; although there are other brands available as well

aquariumpharm.com/Products/Product.aspx?ProductID=67

they are an invaluable tool in keeping your aquarium safe and balanced for your fish. Before your tank is cycled, I would recommend testing everyday - based on the readings you can ascertain what maintenance is needed (i.e. water changes). Once cycled, I test once a week. If you have questions about testing, don't hesitate to ask.

everything is cool now. He is fine. Thank goodness

petoscar wrote:


Ok cool but was your tank cycled and such?

yes

Can you test for Ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and post the actual results please so we can check your water quality