Oscars in 55gl tank

Question
I have 2 oscars 1 small goldfish and sucker fish in a 55 gl tank. I cleaned it out an a week later its cloudy and greenish looking water. What do I need to do. I tried replacing filters, I took the decorations out. I moved them in to the coolist room in the house. Its not in sun or bright light. I feed them fish pellets. What should I do to keep the water clear, and not have to clean it once a week.

Answer
Hi Joni

Well first, Oscars and Goldfish are not a good mix. Goldfish are a cold water fish, and Oscars are a Cichlid, warm water fish. Also if you're Goldfish is small enough and your Oscars are large enough, they will eat the Goldfish. I would recommend moving the Goldfish to a gallon fishbowl or smaller aquarium.

Second, if you're going to have Oscars or any fish for that matter, you'll need to keep up the maintenance they require. Oscars, especially, are a very messy fish. Oscar aquariums require maintenance 2 times a week and preferrably 3 times a week. This includes a 25% water change, vacuuming the gravel to remove waste and food particles, and changing the carbon cartridge in your filter once a week. And in my Oscar tank, which is 75 gallons, I have 3 power filters, (2 large ones on both ends and a smaller one in the middle) as well as an undergravel filter and 2 sponge filters. I do the maintenance mentioned above 3 times a week. The water is clear and the fish are happy and healthy.

You may also want to consider a different type of food. Pellets expand in the water, and leftovers can contribute to cloudy water. I feed my Oscars flakes, bloodworms, brine shrimp, occasionally small feeder goldfish and Cichlid treats.

Any aquarium you have regardless of what type of fish you keep in it, is going to require weekly maintenance, including water changes, filter maintenance and cleaning the gravel. If you're not able to devote this type of time to it, I would recommend finding another hobby. Otherwise, you'll cause unnecessary certain death to your fish, as well as yourself a lot of time, grief and money.

I hope this has been helpful to you Joni, good luck!

Richard