need help

[newcichlidlover]

Hello all,
I am a new cichlid fan. I have just set up my 29 gal. tank and i need help-- :? . I am interested in getting some oscar fish, but i want to make sure i'm doing everything right. My tank has been set up for about 48 hrs now. I've already tested the the PH level and it is above 7.6. Is this okay for this type of fish--or do i need to do something different :roll: . Also i hear alot of people talking abut the ammonia and nitrate. Do I need to test that too? I've already put some water conditioner in there. [b:c9b78e00e6]PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/b:c9b78e00e6]

[Rudy]

Have you cycled your tank yet? Just because it is set up for 48 hours and conditioned only means that the water is clear of and chlorine and other toxins. The ammonia and Nitrites come after the fish are in there. This is the part that you have to worry about.

I tend to think your oscars would survive the cycling of the tank, however it would not be good for them. Oscars produce mass amounts of waste and deminished water conditions can cause hole in the head disease, or others. I would probably start off with some convicts, or even gold fish and wait until your tank is completely cycled. Then takle then back to the Lfs. I could take up to a month or even longer. Get yourself a test kit and don't put your oscars in there until it is done cycling.
As for your Ph 7.6 is fine for oscars they aren't incredibly picky.

Here is a link for cycling. You can read about it.

http://www.notcatfish.com/reference/cycling.htm

I also wanted to let you know that a 29 gallon will last a couple oscars about 2-3 months max. They are very fast growing. Probably one of the fastest there are. If you want them to grow slower feed them flakes sparingly until you can get a larger tank. Probably no less than 66 gallon for two.

Great choice on the oscars they are by far one of my favorite cichlids.


Good luck with everything I hope you enjoy your new hobby :D

[newcichlidlover]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH :lol: :lol: :lol: . I am not sure what Lfs is or cycling. If cycling means running the take with the filter and heater. That's what has been happening for 48hrs.

[Rudy]

LFS=local fish store.

Did you check out the cycling link. It basically means building poop eating bacteria to keep the water livable.

[WorldNation]

oscars are pretty hardy. but the bacteria takes 4-6 weeks to grow fully, but you shou;ld be able to add the fishies in about 2-3 days just to be safe.