Good Morning,
I recently came into possession of two large bonded Oscar’s. I had been cycling a 100 gallon tank for some type of cichlids I hadn’t decided between red devils or blood parrots yet. But I knew I wanted one or the other. So I set up and cycled a 100 gal tank for four months. A week ago I was ready to finally purchase my fish. I went to my most reputable local aquarium store and as I walked in a couple was surrendering a pair of Oscar’s that they were told wouldn’t become larger then 5 inches. (Supposedly) they were stressed and not in the best shape. I took one look at them and said I could take them. I began to feed all fresh food like crickets,mealworms, and shrimp as well as Extreme Aquatic foods monster pellets. However while all my other water parameters are perfect my nitrates keep spiking between 20 and 30 ppm. I can only assume I’m feeding to often. But the info out there is so contradictory. How often, and how much should I feed? I do 20% water changes every five days and I have a well rated canister filter. I also vacuum out the waste every other day. What more should I be doing ? Sorry for the book. All advice is appreciated. Thank you for your time.
-Meagan
I recently came into possession of two large bonded Oscar’s. I had been cycling a 100 gallon tank for some type of cichlids I hadn’t decided between red devils or blood parrots yet. But I knew I wanted one or the other. So I set up and cycled a 100 gal tank for four months. A week ago I was ready to finally purchase my fish. I went to my most reputable local aquarium store and as I walked in a couple was surrendering a pair of Oscar’s that they were told wouldn’t become larger then 5 inches. (Supposedly) they were stressed and not in the best shape. I took one look at them and said I could take them. I began to feed all fresh food like crickets,mealworms, and shrimp as well as Extreme Aquatic foods monster pellets. However while all my other water parameters are perfect my nitrates keep spiking between 20 and 30 ppm. I can only assume I’m feeding to often. But the info out there is so contradictory. How often, and how much should I feed? I do 20% water changes every five days and I have a well rated canister filter. I also vacuum out the waste every other day. What more should I be doing ? Sorry for the book. All advice is appreciated. Thank you for your time.
-Meagan