I Have A Bad Situation ,

So there is this kid that I homeschool with who is not very great with animals and by that I mean he kinda neglects then and is mean to them. So I’m 13 and so is he and we are both homeschooled so me and my mom go over to their house once a week and do schoolwork and I noticed he has a fish. He has a 2 year old OSCAR () in a 20 high tank. Unbelievable. And on top of that the filter looks like it has fungus growing on it and the tank hasn’t been cleaned in over 4 months. I managed to convince him to allow me to at least get a new filter, heater, plants and decor, and clean it when I come over. So I know very little about oscars but the only thing in the tank is about 3 inches gravel, four 4” plastic plants and a gator skull decor piece which isn’t that big. So what I was thinking of doing since I’m limted to getting things since I don’t have much money and all my tanks are 10 gallons so I don’t have much extras for him. I was thinking of taking out my xxL amazon sword and putting in the oscars tank, putting my adjustable 50 watt heater in there even though it’s not much but I think the room temp was 77 so I’m not to worried about temp, I was going to put 2 10 gallon filters in there since that’s the largest filter I have and then just some extra hides and silk plants I have. Do you think this will help at least? Also should I do a 100% water change this first time or do a 50% water change every week for 3 weeks that way I don’t shock the fish? Also what should he be eating?

 

It would be better to talk to his parents, you should not be spending your money and giving away your things for a fish that he doesn't care for properly.
If this were me, then I would go directly to the parents and explain why this needs to change, either get a tank to properly house the fish or don't own it at all.
You can definitely improve the living quarters for now, but I would definitely speak to his parents about changing the way he keeps this fish.

 

Have you talked to your mom about this? What does she think? I agree with fanatic, but maybe it would be even better if your mom talked to his parents, or both of you did it together. It's just that some adults have problems taking advice from teens, even if the younger people know better than them. Nothing against you, at all.

Also, don't do a 100% water change the first time. 50% or just above should do, its better than what he gets now, but you don't want to shock him. Like any fish, he should have a good variety of foods. I'm assuming he just gets flakes, maybe pellets?

Good luck with everything!

 

I agree, I would talk to the parents. They may think it's ok so haven't done anything about it. You would be surprised how many people no absolutely nothing about fish and think that the filter does all the work. This kid was probably told by the place he got it that it would be fine in a 20 gallon. This happens way to much by fish stores. Fortunately the one I go to has a couple employees that really know what they are doing.

 

I have to add I admire your concern and willingness to help.

 

My mom doesn’t give a and neither dose his mom. They are country folks so they don’t have the money to spend on it. They are rednecks for sure. I told the mom about it and all she said was well I guess we are having fish tonight. It really annoys me how they don’t care. I know the kid who owns the fish definitely wants to give it a better life but can’t because he doesn’t have money and I’m sure his mom would t let him have a larger fish tank.

 

I have to add I admire your concern and willingness to help.

Yeah and I’m going to go next week to help their chickens. They have about 30 chickens and I think probably 20 of them have injuries on their combs/ears/legs from them handiling them rough or from them fighting so I’m go to try and clean them up the best I can. It just upsets me to see how they care for their animals. I’m one of those people who can’t just let it happen and I know it’s eventually going to hurt me because I’m spending lots of money of them but I have to. Lol

 

If his mom won't let him have a bigger tank, maybe they would be willing to rehome it and put something more suitable in? Long shot, I guess, but I'm throwing out ideas. If worse comes to worse and the fish stays and so does the tank, just try to educate your friend so he can take the best possible care of it.. Maybe show him this site?

Your a kind soul, I'm sure the animals appreciate your help, even if the owners dont.

 

If his mom won't let him have a bigger tank, maybe they would be willing to rehome it and put something more suitable in? Long shot, I guess, but I'm throwing out ideas. If worse comes to worse and the fish stays and so does the tank, just try to educate your friend so he can take the best possible care of it.. Maybe show him this site?

Your a kind soul, I'm sure the animals appreciate your help, even if the owners dont.

Yeah I told him about the here and he laughed and looked at me weird after I said no I’m not kidding lol. I’m sure he would join on here if he’s mom would allow him to. I’ll see if he can rehome it but I’m not sure bc his older brother who is 20 got it for him and they were friends and now they hardly see each other so I’m not sure if he will but I will definitely try to convince him. Thanks

 

If the fish has been living in that tank for 2 years, at least you know it's not an emergency. Teaching your friend to do water changes, and making sure they have a decent gravel vac and Prime water conditioner, is probably the number one thing you could do to help that fish.

Beyond that, please make sure you don't deprive your own fish by giving things away. I know you want to help, but your first priority has to be the fish in your own care. You have an obligation to them. It's hard, I know. There are so many times that I see a dog or cat in need of a home and I want to take them in, but in my current living situation it would not be good for the cat I already have. I have to remind myself that when I adopted him, I made a commitment to put his needs first---even above other animals I would like to help.

I admire you so much for trying to help this fish.
It takes a lot of courage to tell our friends something they may not want to hear. Major kudos to you for doing so.

 

If the fish has been living in that tank for 2 years, at least you know it's not an emergency. Teaching your friend to do water changes, and making sure they have a decent gravel vac and Prime water conditioner, is probably the number one thing you could do to help that fish.

Beyond that, please make sure you don't deprive your own fish by giving things away. I know you want to help, but your first priority has to be the fish in your own care. You have an obligation to them. It's hard, I know. There are so many times that I see a dog or cat in need of a home and I want to take them in, but in my current living situation it would not be good for the cat I already have. I have to remind myself that when I adopted him, I made a commitment to put his needs first---even above other animals I would like to help.

I admire you so much for trying to help this fish.
It takes a lot of courage to tell our friends something they may not want to hear. Major kudos to you for doing so.

Yeah. It is very hard because we have 48 animals and I have to take care of them all and I also have to take care of 16 horses every night. I’m trying to just take care of his fish when we go over there on Wednesday’s. Thanks for reminding