Ok so i was really excited i finally could get an oscar! Ive always wanted one since i was four! So i went to petsmart and looked for the healthiest oscar and got a albino tiger, I also got a Jack Dempsey for a tank mate and since a lot of youtube videos have those two together. So i come back home leave the bags in the tank for about 30min for the temp to match and let them free, the Dempsey goes straight under a ornament while the oscar goes around swimming around touching the glass. About 3 hours later I walk by and the Dempsey is still there breathing heavily. Now the Dempsey is still there and the Oscar seems afraid of me now.

My question is:
Is this temporary?
Fixes?


If it helps:
My oscar seems to hang out right by the Dempsey as if "caring for it"
My Oscar is active when im gone or at my computer (about 2 feet away) not making any sudden movements.
If i walk by, open the lid, or look closely into the tank he just hides.
The Dempsey WAS active and swimming as if he was trying to get out not anymore tho

How long have you had your tank set up Hun?

How big is your tank? And what filters are you running?

You need to test your water for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate...

What temp is your tank set at?
Do you have airiation in the tank?

I know this is a lot of questions but it will help us help you!

Tank was set up for about a week without cycling.
My tank right now is a long 30 gallon.
IDK what name my filter is but its the one that hangs to the wall of your tank.
Didnt test but used EasyBalance by Tetra. (Its that bacteria in a bottle and levels out nitrate and ph in case u didn't know)
Temp is at about 26C
By airiation do you mean the thing that makes bubbles? if so yes.
Thx for the quick reply and help

OK Hun! You are going to have to get a Liquid Water Test kit! So you can test your water... To get through the cycle you are going to have to do a 30% water change everyday. During this time, DO NOT clean your filter. Feed sparingly...

I will link you to the section on cycling, So you can read it.
And you will need to start searching for a bigger tank. 1 Oscar and 1 JD will require a MINIMUM of 75 gallons!

Here is the link and I really hope this helps!
www.oscarfishlover.com/helpful-articles/cycling-an-aquarium

See, thats the problem im only 15 and the nearest place that sells pet supply's is about 20min. away test kits are like $15 and cant get any and i cannot manage changing 30% water evryday, treating it cuz of chlorine with the fish inside then getting a 75gal tank is like $289? Im so full of problems right now.

okey...i got your point... young and restless...who want something
but needs parent's approval and support....

at least you knew 30 gal is not good enough for the oscar but you do
have it now. your present concern is the uncycled tank. either you
rehome the oscar or do a lot of work. having uncycle tank:
-you need to feed your fishes sparingly;
-remove uneaten foods after 3 minutes;
-do 10% daily water change;
-do not clean your filter unless it is clogged;
-if it requires cleaning, use old tank water, not tap water;

you need to establish good bacteria in the filtering system
to cope with the ammonia and nitrite from the waste of your fish

As I said, the list I gave is what it is going to take to keep your Oscar Healthy.. If those things are not an option than PLEASE rehome your Oscar.

ok so im going to Petsmart today to get the water tested,
I already replaced 10% of my water today and have been feeding them about 3 times a day (not eating tho )
Oh and also my water is cloudy if that helps. The JD is breathing heavily on the bottom of the tank and the Oscar is acting really sluggish but seems ok.

Unless you can change 30% of your water PER day... You need to let them go...

Make sure Petsmart gives you EXACT readings for Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, and PH!

oh and is it ok if i add slightly cooler water to the tank since it seems to be a tad bit to warm? (28C)

I wouldn't change the temp too much, you can send them into shock!

per day for how long?