problems with oscar

[Gatorxxx420]

Aggression and poor water quality in an overstocked tank isn't surprising. Not trying to bring up a flame war since I know everyone has there own opinions on stock sizes but in all honesty a 46 gallon tank isn't even big enough to house one O full size let alone an O and two tank mates. 55 gallon would be the minimum with an O alone with their large bioload, and then when they mature and start getting territorial with two other fish you're looking at even more problems.

a 50% WC weekly wouldn't even get your nitrates consistently below 20ppm with just the O alone.

I wouldn't put an Oscar in anything smaller than a 75. Oscar's get huge, fast. They need at least an 18" wide tank.

As for this particular Oscar, it probably suffered from pH shock from not being properly acclimated. Unless there was a preexisting issue as it seemed to be acting odd in the bag too,

 

[Gruff Master]

Just wondering if the Oscar perked up. The OP hasn't added any new updates since the original on the 20th.

 

[Jon M]

I wouldn't put an Oscar in anything smaller than a 75. Oscar's get huge, fast. They need at least an 18" wide tank.

As for this particular Oscar, it probably suffered from pH shock from not being properly acclimated. Unless there was a preexisting issue as it seemed to be acting odd in the bag too,

No doubt bro. I'm not saying I would ever put an O in a 55 gallon, I'm stating with LARGE WC 55g is the absolute minimum water quality wise, and that in this situation the tank is quite obviously overstocked.

Not jumping to conclusions but when someone says they are having issues in their tank and it's overstocked my #1 place to jump is to let them know "hey btw your tank is overstocked!" Overstocking contributes to so many tank issues especially with fish like Os where the person doesn't realize how big they get, how quickly they get that size, AND LFSs sell them off without properly informing the purchaser.

 

[Mavrick813]

My 2 Os have been in a 55 w/ 2 Emperor 400s and 30-50% WC biweekly for a while now. The larger one is about 8" and both are scheduled to be moved into a 150g Bowfront ASAP. A 55 with an intent on going bigger in the first year is adequate preparation for Baby Os IMHO.

This Tank however was overstocked before the O went in. And the OP never states Water Quality, Filtration, Temps, or anything. What we do know is the O is being fed shrimp that floats in front of his face. Given that bit of info if theirs any "Leftover" shrimp in the tank it's releasing Ammonia as it decomposes, maybe even causing Ammonia spikes.

Just my 2c

 

[Jon M]

My 2 Os have been in a 55 w/ 2 Emperor 400s and 30-50% WC biweekly for a while now. The larger one is about 8" and both are scheduled to be moved into a 150g Bowfront ASAP. A 55 with an intent on going bigger in the first year is adequate preparation for Baby Os IMHO.

This Tank however was overstocked before the O went in. And the OP never states Water Quality, Filtration, Temps, or anything. What we do know is the O is being fed shrimp that floats in front of his face. Given that bit of info if theirs any "Leftover" shrimp in the tank it's releasing Ammonia as it decomposes, maybe even causing Ammonia spikes.

Just my 2c

Sure bro. I had my two juvenile Os in a 55g at roughly 5-6" but let's be realistic. I'd say 80% of people that purchase Os with intentions on upgrading aquarium size DO NOT upgrade. (whether for good or bad reasons)

I'm just pointing out the fact that it's overstocked. Not trying to judge anyone, or say this person isn't planning to upgrade their tank. But, from the information provided they don't seem to have any intentions on upgrading their tank which is why I felt it necessary to let them know this tank is VERY overstocked which WILL always be a #1 reason for problems in the future.

 

[Mavrick813]

Sure bro. I had my two juvenile Os in a 55g at roughly 5-6" but let's be realistic. I'd say 80% of people that purchase Os with intentions on upgrading aquarium size DO NOT upgrade. (whether for good or bad reasons)

I'm just pointing out the fact that it's overstocked. Not trying to judge anyone, or say this person isn't planning to upgrade their tank. But, from the information provided they don't seem to have any intentions on upgrading their tank which is why I felt it necessary to let them know this tank is VERY overstocked which WILL always be a #1 reason for problems in the future.

I see your point. Anyone think the OP is going to get back to us and let us know how the little guy is doing?

 

[Jon M]

I guess only time will tell. I see new people on forums get on the forums a lot, post their thread asking for help, and sometimes just never return.