Odd Oscar problem after buying new filter

[Thomas Davie]

I've had my setup for about a year. I'll list the specifics, and then the behavior (or problem).

I've had a 100 gallon setup since Feb/02, with 2 Oscars, 1 Firemouth, and 8 (now 3 ) Tiger Barbs. As the Oscras grew, they would occasionally eat one of the Tiger Barbs if I wasn't feeding them frequently enough for their liking (typically once every 2 or three days). A moderately planted tank, although the Java Fern and Moss is growing like wildfire. 20% water changes once a week, and using 2 Aquaclear 500's (with 3 foam filters each) as filtration.

About a week ago, one of rhe impeller housings on one of my Aquaclears cracked at 4 am, and started leaking water on my carpet. One of my dogs woke me up and I was able to remove the filter before much damage was done.

Well, last Friday I went to a LFS and bought a Fluval 404 to replace the Aquaclear and installed it on Saturday night. The Oscars *LOVE* the underwater current that is generated by the 404 and are cosntatly fighting to stay in front of the output. They exhibit no other outward signs of disease (no rubbing themsleves on rocks, diftwood, plants, etc)....they just like to be in front of the Jacuzzi. Previously, the Oscars had *never* shown any aggressions towards each other at all. None.

Should I just let them go at it? They're both approximately 9 inches in length. Or should I buy another Fluval so they can both enjoy the output?

thanks for any advice.

Tom

[Woozledad]

I don't actually have experience with this, but I do also have a canister filter.... You might think about using some PVC and building a different output that could accomodate both oscars?!?! It might be a little cheaper than buying another filter.....Hope this helps....

[Stephen]

Sounds like they found a way to work out to me :D. I've learned one thing from owning a oscar. It's their tank from the first day they are added and no longer yours. If you don't notice any signs of illness or stress, I'd guess they like the way the flow feels. Seems to me it would be harmless to let them continue playing.

[Thomas Davie]

So far, no problems. The Oscars are still 'battling' to be in the current outflow from the Fluval, and the Tiger Barbs are stll going about without an apparent care in the world (they show no fear of the Oscars or the Firemouth).

If anything, I would guess that adding the Fluval has slightly reduced the friction between the Oscars and the Firemouth, since the Firemouth rarely moves far from his cave.


thanks for the comments.

Tom

[thom336]

oscars are certainly not a community fish, and will not cohabit with any fish other than its partner and the odd pleco. i would seriously consider rehousing your firemouths and tiger barbs.

[VoodooChild]

Except for the fact that a full grown oscar could eat a 5" firemouth, I'd be more worried about the firemouth beating the oscar.

[gidget21]

ok i had a fluval 204 on my last aquarium and my guppies were the same way they would fight to swim in the current they loved it i don't think you should be to worried but do keep an eye on how bad the agression gets if fins get torn ect then there couldbe a cause for concern for diseases.

[Dragon_Lord_Tia]

my oscars love the 40 cms in front of my filters in my 12ft tank but if 1 of the oscars stays in front of the filter to long i found the other 1 gets jealous and trys to chase the other 1 away theirs nothing wrong with it if your lucky they might be flurting and u might be a prowed owner of a breeding pair of oscars

p.s. if they get scraches from fighting put some anti fungal drops in just in case

[Thomas Davie]

I'm not sure if it is aggression or flirting, but once every day or so they will lock lips and sort of 'spin around' in place, and then wander off.

Tom

[VoodooChild]

That's aggression. If they were raised together it might not be too serious but make sure that there aren't any serious abbrasions around the lips.

[ChilDawg]

I read that they would do that to 'test' the strength of potential mates as well, but do make sure that the lips are not injured.

[ChilDawg]

They also do that for aggressive purposes like Voodoo said, but it could be a mating display, too...don't necessarily rule it out!

[Thomas Davie]

They seem okay, and I am watching them as carefully as I can. I'm currently fishless cycling another tank to move the Firemouth and Tiger Barbs into, and then I'll re-landscape the Oscar tank.


I'll post further if I notice anything else.

Tom

[Dragon_Lord_Tia]

well before my oscar started to breed they were doing the same as what yours are doing so be prepared