Well, a tough decision was made yesterday. 2 fish had to go. I have a 120 gallon tank with 2 Oscars (10" and 8") and 2 JD's (8" and 5") and 1 Pleco (11").. estimates on the length cause they don't hold still in front of the ruler!!!

Anyway, the smaller Oscar (Bubba) developed HITH. The larger JD (Big Jack) was being a bad boy and chasing the larger Oscar (Red) and the Pleco (J.Edgar) around the tank. Bubba would not allow Red to eat. Big Jack was just being down right mean. To top it off, I started to have problems regulating my water levels.

On the advice of one of my dearest friends on this site, Noddy... Bubba and Big Jack have found a new home. Now I have Red, Little Jack and J. Edgar in the tank. 1 Oscar, 1 JD and 1 Pleco. Already there has been a big change in their demeanor. Red and Little Jack are swimming around like I have never seen before. Their colors are brighter ... they are not hiding in a corner. When I walk in the room, they come out to see me. Before the other 2 did and these guys hid. Feeding is better, both of them are getting food!

My bestest friend Nicki has agreed that this was probably a good idea and also feels my tank has enough roommates right now. I over compensated when I replaced my fish that jumped to his death - got two two many fish!

Fingers crossed for a happy tank and happy levels again!!!

I hope that works out permanently for you. Sounds like you had ya hands full =)

Must have been a tough decision, but this way you will be able to manage the waterquality you desire.
I know weekly waterchanges are enough work as it is, having to do several wc a week is a major pain...

I'm sure your fish will like the space you created and will love the waterquality!
You made me curious on the development of your nitrates now.
please keep us posted!

getting a compromise between the number of fish you like to keep in a tank and them all getting along as friends is never easy. i have had a few turn on each other and do considerable damage, over the yrs, I have had to re home and worst had some kill each other. i got to say you made a good decision. be it a hard one.

I know it sucks B... But like we discussed, you did the right thing!

Thats tough to give up fish like that Brooksie. It is frustrating when fish just can't get along. Sometimes I want to reach in the tank and give the mean fish a spanking. . Anyway, I hope your remaining fish can find harmony.

Noddy wrote:


Here's your update... the levels are getting better, slowly but better:

PH 7.4
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrites 0.0
Nitrates between 40 and 60... down from 80 !

Red isn't eating very much but there has been ALOT going on in the tank with the multi-water changes and fish leaving. But he is eating.

hi sorry but your nirates are really high, better do your water change now at least 30% leave one day and then do another 30% take readings again, nitrates should be about 10 to 20

Its tough to rehome fish especially when you have grown them up from babies but its a decision that has to be made when overstocked. Well done!

Brooksie wrote:


Today:
PH 7.4
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrites 0.
Nitrates 40 (barely 40)

Continuing with the water changes! But there is improvement.

well done B here's hoping eveything goes well sweetheart...

you're getting there.
Nitrates will drop even further, as the bioload stays smaller...