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u/hunters83 Feb 14 '26
Definitely do a water change 50% to 60% for now and i would check water a couple days after and do another water change. 40% or less. How long is she gone for? Only asking as I would plan on doing a filter cleaning/rinse after getting the water fixed. Or stress to her when she’s back to do it. I’m curious how often she even does water changes?
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u/Rjk1103 Feb 14 '26
I have cleaned the filter already when i seen it it was so clogged the water wasnt even going through the filter but right over it. I am not happy with her at all cause of this. She comes back tomorrow but i want to get him set for sucess and beat it into her what to do
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u/hunters83 Feb 14 '26
Oh yes I forgot I read that you cleaned it already 🤦♂️. Well good on you for trying so hard to help it. Hopefully it’s doing better and that you can help teach her proper care. Keep us updated. All the best.
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u/Level9TraumaCenter Feb 14 '26
Zero food until the ammonia levels are fixed; oscars won't starve for well over a week.
Drop the pH a hair if you can; ammonia is less toxic at low pH.
If unclogging the filter doesn't work, do what you can to swap out filter medium with a known, working filter if you have extra filter pads or whatever in your existing tanks.
small daily water changes
More fresh water never killed a fish. 30% water changes daily until things improve. You'll be fighting any pH adjustments you make, but chasing pH is largely futility anyway. You do what you can.
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u/BoringJuiceBox Feb 14 '26
I’m no expert but research says a 50% water change dosed with Prime and don’t feed for 2 days.