Oscar fish not eating
- Thread starter emlk9963
- Start date
Thats likely true.. But he kept coming up to the top and kept eating it all so I said maybe he's just constantly hungry. I agree though. I am probably overdoing it. I have recently tried cutting down a little. I do not allow the rest of the staff to feed him either. He is eating Ciclid pellets and I went from giving him 20 pellets to 10 or so per day. Plus maybe a few treat sticks. I am going to go buy scallops or krill and see if he likes that. The fish store told me that. Is that a good idea?
Yes... this will make your life easier.
Some tips:
If you are draining the water into the sink, you only need to keep the water on until the siphon from the tank starts
When refilling the tank, the total dosing for the water conditioner should be the total tank volume. Put a portion of the water conditioner right before you turn the water on, and at the place where the water enters the tank. You can put the rest of the portion halfway during fill up.
These fish will eat when they can..... it's the feast or famine survival instinct. A fish that large doesn't need to eat more than 1 meal every other day. They can easily go 1-2 weeks without eating (so you can take a vacation and not worry about feeding) So use a large pill container. Portion out the food into the large pill container. Hide the rest of the food so the staff doesn't find it. If the staff feeds from the pill container, you will know.
He does not need treats. Too many treats and he will stop eating the pellets.
What food are you feeding and what size?
Don't give up just yet. You've obviously been thrown in at the deep end through no fault of your own. You'll find, once you get to grips with the basics, that keeping fish is such a rewarding hobby. In fact, we have a famous saying in this hobby. It's not about keeping fish, it's about keeping WATER! Look after your water and the rest looks after itself. That's why, at this very early stage, the API liquid test kit is going to be your best friend. Once you find out what your parameters are, that is your water chemistry, then you tailor your water changes accordingly.
As well as the test kit, other essentials are dechlorinator and, as mentioned, a python water changer. This beats the bucket method hands down. Dechlorinator, or Seachem Prime as it's better known, neutralises the chlorine in your tap water. Chlorine is not good for your system at all. Look for a used, larger tank in your local ads, you can get some good deals on there.
Also, you need to research "the aquarium nitrogen cycle". This is the natural process that allows us all to keep fish in the first place, and you will then realise the importance of regular water changes once you have an understanding of this process.
And never ever feel uncomfortable about coming on asking basic questions. We all started out as newbies at one point. We will be glad to point you in the right direction in your efforts to look after your oscar, the poor thing deserves it.
As well as the test kit, other essentials are dechlorinator and, as mentioned, a python water changer. This beats the bucket method hands down. Dechlorinator, or Seachem Prime as it's better known, neutralises the chlorine in your tap water. Chlorine is not good for your system at all. Look for a used, larger tank in your local ads, you can get some good deals on there.
Also, you need to research "the aquarium nitrogen cycle". This is the natural process that allows us all to keep fish in the first place, and you will then realise the importance of regular water changes once you have an understanding of this process.
And never ever feel uncomfortable about coming on asking basic questions. We all started out as newbies at one point. We will be glad to point you in the right direction in your efforts to look after your oscar, the poor thing deserves it.
If there's a large deep sink or tub you can house him in temporarily you can do nonstop and easy water changes. Just add some floating plants/silk vines to reduce stress. Add in dechlorinator Prime and airstones to get him through.
Just make sure there's no soap/chemical residue. I kept my oscar in a tub two years ago during an emergency. He stayed tucked under the plants but came out to eat. I kept the shower curtain closed around the tub.
Just make sure there's no soap/chemical residue. I kept my oscar in a tub two years ago during an emergency. He stayed tucked under the plants but came out to eat. I kept the shower curtain closed around the tub.
Ok so the fish store left prime here. He told me when I add water only add a couple of drops. I feel like this is supposed to be more accurate than a couple of drops. I am buying the python water changer so I hope its easy to figure out! I also am getting the water test kit.
He really does deserve better than this. I feel so bad. I am trying to give him the best life as I would with my animals. I know cats and dogs just not fish
. I am learning so much from this forum. I havent even used a forum before.. so much new to me! LOL. Thank you!!
