Thinking of what to do.

[Chaory]

Sounds like you had an awesome Oscar.

It was a beautiful red oscar.

 

[darth pike]

I would rather do it now, then waste time and grow it out. What if I keep the tank free of plants and decors. Maybe it will get use to be out in the open?

That usually has the opposite effect, creating a very stressed and skittish fish. Usually with most cichlids, the more cover there is, the more they feel comfortable and the more you see them. As duanes said, dithers would help. So do floating plants a lot of the time.

 

[duanes]

natural JD habitat video in Mexico
Eden2 - YouTube