I HAVE HAD MY 55 GALLON TANK SET UP FOR TWO WEEKS. I DECIDED TO GO AND GET TWO BABY OSCARS TO ADD TO THE TANK. HE ALBINO OSCAR IS DOING GREAT BUT THE TIGER OSCAR IS LAYING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK A LOT. I HAVE HAD THEM FOR THREE DAYS AND HE SEEMS TO BE SPENDING MORE TIME DOWN THERE EVERYDAY. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. IS THIS NORMAL? MAYBE IT IS JUST TAKING HIM LONGER TO ADJUST. IT SEEM THAT IF I HAD A WATER PROBLEM IT WOULD BE EFFECTING THEM BOTH. PLEASE HELP I NEED SOME ADVICE.
THANK YOU,
ANGIE

ANGIE54 wrote:


Was the tank cycled first?

What are your water test readings?

If the tank is cycled and all is well with the water it's not uncommon at all for oscars to 'lay on the bottom,' after you add them to a new environment. Gradually he will get used to the tank, and like you mentioned, oscars can be different in temperament and how they handle and respond to 'adjustment' periods-- so it might simply be that. To 'speed' the process along you can dim the lights or leave them off for longer periods, as well as give him a place to 'hide' until he becomes more comfortable if it's worrying you

NO I DID NOT. I WAS TOLD TO SET UP THE TANK FOR A WEEK OR SO THEN ADD THE FISH. SHOULD I DO A WATER CHANGE????

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP HOPEFULLY HE WILL PUL THROUGH OK.

ANGIE54 wrote:


Ok, BUT...

You've gotta read the helpful articles section at the top of the page especially in regards to tank cycling. Read those asap, and we can help you along as you go. REALLY important.


Your tank isn't cycled, which can be a very, very bad thing for fish and can kill them outright, and soon, if things don't get taken care of.

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

What kind of filtration do you have?

Have you been doing water changes? How much and how often?

How do you treat the water you add to the tank? Do you add declorinator?

My immediate response would be to take them back to the store and see if they will possibly hold them for you until you get your tank set up properly. Letting a tank 'run' for 2 weeks does nothing--You're just pushing water around--if you have not added a source of ammonia for beneficial bacteria to 'feed' on, and then grow and establish colonies in the tank and, more importantly, the filter. This bacteria is going to be the main thing that helps convert harmful ammonia in less harmful forms such as nitrite and then nitrATE, which you then remove through regular water changes. But I'll let the article explain more, it's pretty easy for a novice to understand.

This just makes my teeth itch, why do these fish stores pass on information like this to their customers? Unfortunately, your situation is untenable and he will not be able to keep both Oscars. Your tank is a big enough for one Oscar. Johnny has got you pretty much covered so I am not going to repeat everything he has said. You do need to get yourself some test kits ASAP as I suspect your water is not in a good condition, it probably contains toxins that will kill your fish if you don't do something very quickly.

If I was you, go to your fish store and get some test kits but please do not take anymore of their advice because they quite obviously have no intention of helping you do it properly. They're probably hoping that your fish die so you will go back and spend more money, I shouldn't really say that but it makes me so angry.

By the way, welcome to the community, you are in safe hands

Yeah, I didn't even think of the fact that it's 2 in one 55 gallon as I was mainly concerned about the water situation...one needs to go back permanently. It's is really unfortunate people don't get the advice they need from fish stores, and certainly understandable that you would think the advice you're getting is correct from the 'fish' guy. Sadly, though, it's often not.

The bright side of this is you have a tank that's big enough for one, he'll be plenty happy by himself in there...and you can prepare the tank the right way. It's upsetting to have to bring them back I know...but just a little more waiting and some research and you'll have a great setup that you'll love in no time. in the mean time while you're waiting you can decorate the tank and such...which I think is damn good fun (or 'jolly/bloody' good fun for any British members who are reading this).

I agree with Johnny and OFL

Return 1 fish to the store. Read the section on cycling. Get yourself a test kit (bottle types) that should include Ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Do daily water changes of 25% until your tank is cycled