i just got 2 oscars last night they was doing good but earlier tonight they was just staying at the bottom and i got them at petco and the guy said not to add the conditioner just add the salt. I did that and i bought a test kit tonight and everything was in danger. So i just added the conditioner and i wanted to know if that would help or should i start all over and clean the tank and do it over. thank you please help me save my fishys if anyhting is wrong.

Hi David... Glad you found it.

Ok, Is your tank new??? and the filters???

I want you to read the section on cycling your tank. if you have not done this, then you will need to return the fish to the store until your tank is cycled.

Here is the link.

www.oscarfishlover.com/how-to-cycle-a-tank

BTW, Welcome!

no i didnt do that so take them back and start new and keep testing water untill right

by the way,
dont add the conditioner into the tank.
add it to the water at water changes and then put it in the tank.

david838802 wrote:


Smart move!
and welcome to the site.
I just don't like LFS people giving stupid advice and possibly helping to kill your fish... :angry:
Glad you found our site .
We promote happy fishkeepin and are trying to help our Oscars reach their full potential in growth and lifespan.
That LFS man seems to have different motives...

First of all welcome! This is a great place for information so I'm sure you find help here.

And yes, smart move returning the oscars until your tank is cycled properly. As for conditioner...you do need to add this initially when you fill your tank with tap water. After that you just need to add conditioner when you do a water change for the amount of NEW tap water you put into the tank. Also salt is not needed either so you can skip putting that in there.

Feel free to ask questions...everyone here can help you get your tank cycled so you can care for oscars properly.

Also what size tank do you have and what filters do you have on it?

ikkie78 wrote:

The "patient cycling expert" has spoken...

Noddy wrote:


Haha...how about "the forced to be patient expert has spoken" haha! I'm sure I have plenty of advice on cycling right now!

I think its time ikkie used his experience to help others, i will leave this one to him- the cycling expert