Oscar problem

[Crazycar]

hey i have two oscars and one of them is super friendly and swims and eats and is awesome and then my second oscar i have is SUPER timid and stays under a rock doesnt eat doesnt do ANYTHING. i have had them both for about a week. does anybody know what the problem is? or if there ios even a problem?

Ben

[~Erik3.8.07~]

doent sound like a problem, different fish different personalities, just like people. What size tank do you have them in?

[gm72]

Let's get the tank size and filtration so we can help you out more with this. Was the tank cycled? How large are they? Are there any other tankmates?

[Crazycar]

ok well i have them in a 10 gallon at the moment, there maybe an inch each, and my filtration is a aqua clear 20 . im probably in the second stage of my cycle.
BEn

[~Erik3.8.07~]

i dont know how hardy oscars are but i dont think they are the best choice to cycle the tank with. I hope your gonna get a bigger tank cause oscars get big and you will probably need like a 75 for them when they get mature. also an ac 20 probably isnt enough for that tank. an ac 50 would be much better

[gm72]

Ooooookay now. Let's be clear that you will need at least a 75 gallon tank with a LOT of filtration for the 2 oscars. You need more filtration on your existing setup, and oscars are not particularly good fish with which to cycle. Even growing them out in a 10 gallon is not a good idea.

When you say you are on the "second stage" of your cycle, can you elaborate on that? Do you mean you are starting to see the nitrIte spike?

[Crazycar]

ye im starting to see the nitrite spike, and dont worry this tank is only a temporary tank im saving up to get a 75g canister setup, i just got to wait to get paid.
what do you think could be making them hide or lie on their side like that?

[Crazycar]

what do you suggest for more filtration on the existing 10g?

[gm72]

The fish are highly stressed. Lying on the side likely indicates some poisoning, nitrIte or ammonia. Performing a cycle with oscars in a 10 gallon is torturing them, but...on to your next question.

Filtration for 2 oscars in a 10 gallon. I would recommend an AC50. Then again, I wouldn't put them there to begin with. I really hope you are able to upgrade to the larger tank within the next 2-3 weeks.

Filtration for the 75 with 2 oscars is going to have to be hefty. Large canister, maybe 2, plus a large HOB is where I would go with it.

[Crazycar]

What canister filter, and hob would you suggest, i was thinking of going with a Eheim ecco 2236(up to 80G) and as for HOB im not sure i need some suggestions

[Crazycar]

i also found a filter that sounds pretty good called Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter 1000 for up to 100 gallons. have you ever heard of this one? is it good?