I guess I'm in the right place now for help.I had 2 oscars for about 8 years in a 75 gallon tank. About 2 weeks ago one had a white spot show up on it's eye.The next morning both fish were covered with a white cotton like substance. The larger fish (about 16 inches long)died. From the first day I began water changes and treatment with MELAFIX. I also took every thing out of the tank but the air stone (I have replaced the air stone several times)I have kept the water temp around 70 degrees.Have taken carbon out of filter. The PH is normal, and I have keep the MELAFIX treatment up with water changes every 7 days or so. The remaning fish lays on its side and breaths rapidly. The water is clear and there are no signs of fungus on the fish or in the tank. I know this post is a little long but I wanted to provide all the info I could. Thanks in advance for any help.

I don't think there's any point in continuing the melaifx treatment. You say there is no sign of any kind of fungus now? Have you tested the water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? If not, please do so as soon as possible. Have you cleaned any of the media in the filters, if so, how have you done it?

How long has your Oscar been breathing heavily? Is the fish eating okay or has it stopped eating?

How long has your carbon been in the filters and have you changed it?

Check where the water goes back into a tank, is it causing surface agitation? We need to know whether or not there is enough oxygen being created. If not, this could cause an Oscar to breathe heavily.

Sorry for questions, they are very important. I've got to be honest with you, I don't like the sound of your Oscar. When fish start breathing heavily, it can be signs of serious problems. I just want to make you aware of that.

Not sure on the ammonia or the nitrate levels. I have stoped using the filter that hangs on the back of the tank thats the only one that has carbon in it I also removed it from the tank. I have one powerhead going to filter the gravel,there is a bubble stone about 18 inches long in the tank, so between the stone and the powerhead I feel like there is plenty of oxgyen in the water. The oscar is still experancing labored breathing and seem to have lost some of its color since this morning. Hope this has answered some of the questions. Oh I forgot he won't eat.Thanks again.

We need to know your ammonia and nitrite readings. Nobody can help you without knowing what your water conditions are like. It would be like going to a doctor with chest pains but not letting him take your pulse and blood pressure and then expecting him to diagnose.

Okay, I am a little confused about your filtration. When you say powerhead, are you just talking about a pump? You say filter the gravel, I really don't understand what you have setup. Can you give me a detailed description of your filtration. Have you actually got media, i.e. spongers etc

Losing colour can also be a sign of illness

If you haven't got an ammonia and nitrite test, I think you need to go and get one ASAP

Woke up this morning and my last oscar had died. SUCKS But to answer some of the questions my PH was fine and ammonia was in the top part of the yellow maybe alittle in the green couldn't get a nitrate reading. I can only guess but what ever the first fish died from the second one couldn't overcome either. I wish I had found this web site sooner, might have saved both of them.I will contune to view this forum because I will replace my ocsars with more.



Thanks MIKE

Very sorry to hear about your Oscar dying. Before you go out and buy any more Oscars, please sit back and look at your tank and make sure that everything is shipshape and Bristol fashion before you add any more fish. The worst thing you can do now is rush things.