Good water quality reduces the chances of hith dramatically. Charcoal can have a negative effect on water quality if left in your filters for too long. Basically, it removes any impurities from the water. If the charcoal becomes saturated than they could start leaching back into the water again. This is my understanding of the situation, however I have never used charcoal in any of my filtration systems. So to answer your question, I think it would be a very good idea if you remove the charcoal. If you keep your water in tiptop condition, your Oscar should recover 100%