About three days ago I went to petsmart and bought one oscar and a pleco for my 55gal. Eventually I know this tank size will be to small but, right now they are babies. Ever since I brought them home the oscar has been hiding until lights out. When I drop food he doesn't see it or just simply ignores it. I saw him bite into an algae pellet that was on the bottom of the tank and then spit it out? He won't eat the freeze dried blood worms or chiclid pellets. Is he just scared? It's been three days and I haven't seen him eat, I don't want him to die. The pleco too, haven't seen him eat he just stays stuck to the side of the glass or stuck behind the filter. My water tested fine before I put them in the tank, I'm going to about a 10% water change every 2-3 days to make sure I stay on top of things. Any advice?
New oscar and pleco aren't eating?
- Thread starter Brooke Owens
- Start date
Probably just new tank syndrome. Give it some time and less doing to the tank will be better. As long as ur water is clean.
I've had similar issues before. My rescued frontosa wouldn't eat for nearly a month when l got him. Guess he got hungry enough!
I would only worry if the oscar gets a sunken stomach/white poops. It could be hexamita then in which case try the treatement in the sticky in the diseases section. Keep your water quality pristine and he shouldn't have issues.
I would also try putting some blanched spinach or zucchini in for the pleco. The oscar might munch it too.
I would only worry if the oscar gets a sunken stomach/white poops. It could be hexamita then in which case try the treatement in the sticky in the diseases section. Keep your water quality pristine and he shouldn't have issues.
I would also try putting some blanched spinach or zucchini in for the pleco. The oscar might munch it too.
Assuming this is a brand-new uncycled tank, you're going to need to keep an eye on your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels. I would do more like a 50% WC every other day until you know the tank produces nothing but nitrates, then gear your WC's to keep nitrates so they don't exceed 20ppm.
The other issue is Petsmart fish. They're typically so sick by the time you get them home, most don't make it past the first week or two. Feed very lightly, keep up on water changes and observe.
The other issue is Petsmart fish. They're typically so sick by the time you get them home, most don't make it past the first week or two. Feed very lightly, keep up on water changes and observe.
If they do die though take advantage of the return policy. I believe they give you 2 weeks on live fish.
Leave the cave in there baby Oscar needs it for security until the little one learns you are no threat. As long as see the Oscar come out of the cave every once in awhile. I agree with what others stated if you notice white poop take action asap. Oscars are very intelligent and will become a super wet pet.
