CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

Okay.. my boyfriend moved out and left his tank..I think its 55 gallons and there are 2 I guess red Oscars in them.. I have no clue about how to take care of them.. I mean I know how to change the filters but thats about it.. HELP.. one of them isn't eating.. while the other is probably eating more than he should.. the water is cloudy and in desperate need of a change.. I bought a gravel vac the other day.. but I don't wanna change the water until I know how to do it. The only products I have are a water conditioner called NovAqua+.. some other stuff called AmQuel.. pH down.. and stress coat.. I have a pH test kit but the color chart is faded.. and I cant seem to find one at any pet store. The tank just has gravel and a few small deco.. and the lights do not work.. is there a special light or will any fluoresent bulb work? My boyfriend never treated them right.. So I think its my turn.. please help..

Wow.  Ok, first things first.  Go ahead and change about 50% of the water, then do it again in about 3 or 4 days.  Be sure the water you put in is within a degree or two of the current tank temp.  Use the Novaqua+ as directed (dechlorinates the new water).  Best bet for the light is to take it in to a fish/pet shop and let them determine whether the bulb is the problem or the ballast.  For the time being I'd suggest staying with the twice-weekly water changes until you're more secure about what's going on.  Try to have fun with it!  There are things you need to know, but it isn't rocket science.

Two good sources of Oscar info are: 1.) Here! You can scroll through the Oscar forum (where we are now) and read previous discussions. I can't think of anything that is not covered! Plus, ppl like DanRad and others are always ready to give advice and info when there is a question. And . . . 2.) My Geocities site, http://www.geocities.com/cichlidiot_2000/oscar.html. I need to update a bit, but there's lots of Oscar keeping information there.

One thing, though -- Keeping Oscars will redefine Fishkeeping for you. They are personable, wonderful fish that recognize their owners and respond . . . like Puppy Dogs!

Welcome to the forums!  --Mark