I recently inherited a 30 gallon tank from a coworker and with it a cat-fish two loaches and an oscar. The tank was in horrendous condition and i have done everything I could to try and make it habitable. I am relatively new to this but I think I have done alright.

Unfortunately the catfish already kicked the bucket. I really didnt even think that the oscar would live this long he was lying on his side not breathing for about 15 minutes when I got him into the tank. he has been in the tank for about 5 days now and he keeps lying on his side and not really breathing but he does occasionally swim around.

So i guess my question is

A) is this 30 gallon tank too small for him to begin with

and B)is he going to die and should I just put him out of his misery.

Nick

well to begin with a 30 gal tank is not quite big enough for an oscar. you should be looking at about 75gal for one oscar.

as for putting him down the decision is ultimetly yours to make however if he's still breathing and eating maybe give him a little time and hopefully he'll come around for you.also you should get a test kit and check yuor water to be sure that it is in good condition for your fish

hopefully things work out for you and your new fish

well ideally I was hopping by some miracle i could find someone with a big enough tank to take him so i wouldnt have to make this decision but that has yet to happen.

I have checked the ph and it seems about right from what I have read for oscars. What else should I check.

and additionally I really wanted this tank for my cichlids that I have as they are in a 15 gal tank right now and getting a little aggressive. Do you think I could put them in the tank with the oscar or is that an even worse idea.

Nick

you should check the ammonia nitrite and nitrate levels in the tank.
a 30 gallon tank is to small for one oscar by himself so adding other fish would give you an overstocked tank.

what kind of cichlids do you have. i only ask because it is not the best of ideas to mix south american and african together mainly because of water chemistry and diet. and until you find out whats wrong with the tank it wouldn't be a good idea to introduce more fish until the problem is solved

I have africans and the main purpose I got this tank was for them but I really just dont have the heart to kill this fish I feel but I dont want him living a miserable existance in this tank that is too small for him

You need to test for ammonia, nitrite (both should be zero) and nitrate, ideally below 20 but below 40 is ok. Long term your tank is too small for an oscar. How big are the fish in the tank and do you know how old the oscar is

In the meantime i would suggest you change 25% of the water every day