Luciocephalus pulcher

[duanes]

I don't believe there is a pH reducing substrate, a pH of 6 is probably the top end of its range, so peat would be the next best thing, even adding tea bags to HOB filter effluent falls.
The tannins are anti bacterial, and wouldn't do the oscars any harm either, might even help stave off the HLLE that old oscars often get.
Soaking leaves in water also yields tannins, and I have used them for adding the dark water during water changes, for black water species.

adding leaf litter , and wood to the tanks decor also helps.

 

[Jacks oscars]

Any particular leaves and do I just keep them in water for a couple of days

 

[duanes]

I have used oak, maple, magnolia, others (not walnut). When I lived in Milwaukee, I had buckets of leaves sitting around constantly, and collected bushels every fall as soon as they fell, because I added black water with every water change to those species type tanks. I would sometimes boil them.
The leaves in my photo above on the floor of the tank are magnolia, maple below planted next to my pond.
Now in Panama, I allow any leaves that fall in the tank, to remain.

 

[Jacks oscars]

Ok cool thanks for all the help

 

[twentyleagues]

You can brew and use rooibos tea also. Lots of info on google. Cheap and readily available.

 

[Jacks oscars]

Thanks I bought some peat and was also wondering it has been 5 days and he has still been staring at the glass for most the time. Is that normal

 

[Jacks oscars]

It looks like he is fighting with his reflection is that normal

 

[Jacks oscars]

Everything else in the tank is fine

 

[Jacks oscars]

Is your water soft and acidic?
This is one of those species that soft, acidic, tea colored water is crucial to.
If its not, maybe simply neutral in pH, you might try hanging a bag of peat in the tank to help it adjust.

Thanks for all the help I bought some peat but I am not sure how to use it.

 

[twentyleagues]

Thanks for all the help I bought some peat but I am not sure how to use it.

Put it in a media bag and hang it in the tank. Start light and work up to a look/parameters you want.