Scared Newbie's fish in trouble!?

[schoolfish]

Im not sure if my last message posted! I have an Oscar in a 55gal tank with high nitrates (everything else normal according to my fish store's water test). I think he has the "poor water quality" kind of HITH and not parasitic as there is no pus, no weird feces and his appetite is good. Im still very new at this and I did not know the signs and did not know he was sick until another fish died. Now im terrified i will lose him! I started new food (pellets-he was on flake) and a mineral block yesterday but was sold the wrong medication and so havent started that yet - now im scared to as it may apparently aggravate a case of HITH caused by water issues as opposed to parasites. What can i do to save my fish?!

 

[Sorrell]

Do large water changes and continue to watch your parameters. How long has your tank been set up? Was it cycled before hand? Anything else in the tank? What size is your Oscar and how long have you had it? What symptoms is he showing? The more information you can give us the better.

Here's a link that should help

 

[schoolfish]

Thanks for your reply. my tank has been running for about 2 yrs but i moved it in august. no new fish. I aquired them all at the same time (about 2yrs ago). When i moved the tank i moved the water too (so no large water change). i have an adutl oscar, an upside down cat, 3 golden snails (they are the only additions - they have been in since last june). i had a plecostomos that died about 3 days ago. the tank is at work (in a classroom) and the pleco died over the weekend. My tank wasnt cycled before i put the fish in 2 yrs ago because i literally was handed the fish in the bottom of a trash can with just enough water to cover them up. i was shocked when they survived that first night! i had to set up a 40gal that night and then purchase a larger tank a few weeks later - but that was several yrs ago

 

[Sorrell]

I bet your students really enjoy the tank

I agree with you that it sounds environmental. Start doing huge water changes and gently clean your filters in dechlorinated water (easiest way is to shake them off in your bucket during the water change ) Oscars are extremely messy fish and it's easy to get behind on water changes and not even realize it.

I'm sorry about your plec, they are really messy fish too and he was surely adding to the poor water quality.

Keep us updated on his condition and good luck