Diatom bloom
- Thread starter ZooKeeper
- Start date
Is there a light on the tank...how often is it on? Algae will also grow well in a "messy" tank with eaters like oscars. Putting the tank in complete darkness for a a few days may bring it down a bit.
None of my tanks have direct sunlight, but there is still algae all over the sides, And i have the light on for 2 hours max daily. Its a part of fishkeeping, don't bother with chemicals and the like, just start scrubbing and keep up with it.
None of my tanks have direct sunlight, but there is still algae all over the sides, And i have the light on for 2 hours max daily. Its a part of fishkeeping, don't bother with chemicals and the like, just start scrubbing and keep up with it.
Ok. I thought perhaps I am not a good keeper of fish. My three O's are entirely too healthy (if there's such a thing) and they constantly are on the look out for a meal. To the point I feel guilty! (ok, I know - I'm an emotional mess 
) These fish are amazing - they got real pouty last night when I took the gravel cleaner to the tank. Sat off to the side and just sulked. Came back around an hour later demanding food.
My dog does the same thing tho. And the cats.
Ed
) These fish are amazing - they got real pouty last night when I took the gravel cleaner to the tank. Sat off to the side and just sulked. Came back around an hour later demanding food.My dog does the same thing tho. And the cats.
Ed
how long is your snake supposed to live? I just read the O's live between 10 and 15 yrs. I threatened my wife if she buys any more huge fish, they'll end up on the dinner table. lol. That sorta stopped her. Now, that idea is unthinkable as I've spent too much time with these guys. With Gerdie The Birdie on my shoulder strawbossing me. (Quaker Parrakeet).
Ed
Ed
The almost daily water changes take care of nitrates and such - but as soon as I can afford it, I'm constructing a power vaccum - a large external pump, filter compartment. That way I can suck the poo out and not worry about water changes. The output from the filter will be dumped back into the tank. that will save me a lot of money in water. As it is, these bad boys are doing great - 1 is pushing 8 inches, 1 pushing 7.5inches and the other is at 6. Getting another 75g ready. Its in mid cycle right now. Watched the ammonia lvls peak, then fall back and the nitrites have peaked and the nitrates are begining to rise. All normal. Very satisfying to see what people talk about actually play out.
Ed
Ed
even if it eliminates poop...you will still have nitrates, ammonia, and nitrite build up...poo can dissolve...and with no fresh water..you're not going to have a healthy tank. You always do water changes to reduce nitrate, nitrite conc....you have an input of waste...and the output occurs with your nitrifying bacteria...ALONG with regular water changes...no way around that...
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In order to keep nitrAtes at or below 20 PPM, you'll be looking at 4 large water changes (50%+) per week, minimum, once those fish are all full grown. There is evidence showing physiological damage in fish kept above 21 PPM nitrAtes over the long-term, and that damage substantially increases once levels approach and exceed 40 PPM.
Of course, having all 3 oscars survive together into adulthood is all contingent upon them managing to not kill each other first. Keeping 3 oscars together typically will result in two becoming buddies---possibly even pairing and producing offspring---and teaming up against the 'third wheel.'
Getting one moved to the future 75 gal. you mentioned before things get too out of hand would be a good idea. As for the other two...if they've paired (i.e. as male/female), then you may stand a chance at long term success, but there's no guarantees. If they're both female, the same applies. If they're both male, forget about it. An 80 gal. tank really isn't a lot of space for oscars, even if you do have a decent footprint on there---what are the dimensions of the tank?
BV
Of course, having all 3 oscars survive together into adulthood is all contingent upon them managing to not kill each other first. Keeping 3 oscars together typically will result in two becoming buddies---possibly even pairing and producing offspring---and teaming up against the 'third wheel.'
Getting one moved to the future 75 gal. you mentioned before things get too out of hand would be a good idea. As for the other two...if they've paired (i.e. as male/female), then you may stand a chance at long term success, but there's no guarantees. If they're both female, the same applies. If they're both male, forget about it. An 80 gal. tank really isn't a lot of space for oscars, even if you do have a decent footprint on there---what are the dimensions of the tank?
BV
