Flukers reptile vines are great. Amazon has them. If you don't have a background add one. It reduces stress and aids sick fish. Add a couple floating fake lily pads too. Make the tank a cozy bed!
Oscar lethargic, not eating, slightly bloated. Need help diagnosing and treating
- Thread starter Maxdevine00
- Start date
Flukers reptile vines are great. Amazon has them. If you don't have a background add one. It reduces stress and aids sick fish. Add a couple floating fake lily pads too. Make the tank a cozy bed!
each time you do a "just" 25% water change...
you leave 75% of the residual chemical waste products (nitrate) in the tank.
In nature, riverine species (like oscars), experience minimally, 100% water changes per day.
I have found that in my 300 gal system, (180gal tank, with 125 gal sump) a 30% water change every other day, and a heavily planted sump that consumes most residual nitrates is sufficient, and
I can keep most chronic diseases (such as HITH) at bay, without the use of 100s of $$$ in medications.
To me the question is, would you rather put in the time and care of proper husbandry?, or spend the time, stress, and money on meds?
you leave 75% of the residual chemical waste products (nitrate) in the tank.
In nature, riverine species (like oscars), experience minimally, 100% water changes per day.
I have found that in my 300 gal system, (180gal tank, with 125 gal sump) a 30% water change every other day, and a heavily planted sump that consumes most residual nitrates is sufficient, and
I can keep most chronic diseases (such as HITH) at bay, without the use of 100s of $$$ in medications.
To me the question is, would you rather put in the time and care of proper husbandry?, or spend the time, stress, and money on meds?
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Appreciate the tips on environment! He had a slight reversal in progress last night. More lethargic than prior day. Not sure what the issue is now because ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate <5. I bought live mealworms but he refuses to eat still. His bloating is essentially gone. Any idea if this is normal part of healing process or if I should think about using antibiotics(besides metronidazole).
The bloating going down is good. Not sure about what else could be the issue. Some of the lethargy could be from not eating in awhile. Medications will kill appetite, so be aware of that. Is he swimming around? Post more pictures.
Have you made those changes to the tank? (background, substrate).
