J0seph123

I just purchased a three inch oscar the other day at the pet shop and now it doesn't seem lively. It is always near the bottom of the tank and I have only seen at the very top of the Tank twice. Is this Normal for an Oscar that just switched a tank or is my oscar sick?

P.S: I didn't start the nitrogen cycle in my tank yet, so is it that?

lilsoccakid

u shouldnt add any fish until the nitrogen cycle is complete. also, an oscar needs a 55 gallon tank at the very least

TheEssigs

What are your water readings?

If you dont have a test kit, please get one ASAP.

If your tank is not cycled, and you have not made a water change in the last day or so, do one now. Your Oscar is probably suffering from ammonia poisoning.

CPVFD325

Oscars can be rather "pouty", youll notice it either after a aquarium re-arrange or a cleaning......but most of all when you bring them home for the first time.....he'll tend to pout for a few days.....BUT. the questions the others have already asked are important questions also......and could be possible causes.

good luck!

CPVFD325

....Oops! I just went back are re-read all the posts.....did I hear you say your tank is not cycled at all? Did you just fill a tank and plop him in? If anything, I would have cycled the tank with some hardy fish first....not a $10 Oscar. Youve got a situation on your hands....I hope he makes it.

I would suggest you going out and buying a API master kit now. Along with a bottle of "Prime" that should help detox your ammonia and your nitrites, and maybe keep ol' Oscar kickin. It will convert the ammonia and nitrites into a form that will not hurt your fish and still let the bacteria eat it..(allowing the cycle to continue)

Until you have bought that test kit and tested your ammonia, nitrites and nitrates we cannot be of much more help......hurry back with those results.