Question
oscar
I bought a 150 gallon aquarium 9 months ago. I have previously had two 55 gallon tanks for over 12 years. I have a large Clown Knife, average size alligator gar, medium tiger Oscar, a small (growing) Pacu, and a small catfish (6 inches). The fish all eat goldfish (minus the catfish). I feed them every 4 days only what they consume in about 10 minutes (average 8 large and 25 small goldfish). I generally have a problem with nitrite levels even though I do water changes usually every other week. I also add nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia remover to help get rid of cloudiness. However, it does not seem to be working. My water test showed low ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. My pH is at 6.2. Also my Oscar gets with marks on him that looks like scales missing (some bite marks from the clown knife) but it goes away and then comes back. No other fish get the problem.
I have two Emperor 400 filters with bio wheels, and a rena xp3 canister filter. I have biostars in the canister, and use two bags regular carbon and one bag ammonia remover,(along with the foam and a microfilter pad). I use Marineland filters(with black diamond carbon in them) for the emperor 400s.
What is going on with my tank? I have never had such a problem before, and I live in the same home, use the same water that I always have. Any suggestions will help.
Thankyou
Charles
AnswerHi Charles and thank you for the photo!
When keeping large and semi-aggression fish together you are bound to have some problems with bite marks and boisterous behavior resulting in scratches and scrapes. Oscars are notorious for scratching up their sides during fights with other oscars or other fish, rubbing up against rough decorations in the tanks, or attempts to move around rocks and gravel which they do frequently as part of a territorial/nesting behavior. If the damage on your oscar keeps getting worse and its due to the clown knife, obviously the best thing to do is move the Oscar into his own aquarium.
High nitrites are definitely a cause for concern. Persistent nitrite or ammonia levels means the beneficial bacteria or "Biofilter" has not yet established well enough, the biofilter has been disturbed by too frequent and/or thorough filter cleanings, medications, chemical treatments ect.
I think the best thing to do is more frequent water changes. I feel that every two weeks is not sufficient enough for your setup with those large fish that produce a lot of waste.
I would start doing at least 30-50% water changes every to every other day. It is vital that the fish aren't being exposed to nitrites for too long or they could definitely suffer some health problems .
Keep doing water changes until your aquarium establishes... It is the best way to help the aquarium get balanced. You might want to try feeding a little better diet than just feeder fish. Your fish would be much better off with a more varied and balanced diet of high quality fish food and various frozen fish foods.
I do hope this helps!
Karen~
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