Expert: Christy - 10/3/2008

Question
I have a 3 inch oscar in a 40 gallon tank with a hob filter, no gravel, a plastic plant, an a rock decor.  My little oscar poops so much I want to get rid of the poop but I don't want to empty out the whole fish tank and wash it( which I know im not supposed to).  Is there any technique or equipment for getting rid of the poop.

Answer
Hi Bruce
I know your oscar is small at the moment, but they do most of their growing their first year.  He should be about 9-10 inches by the time he's a year old, and should top out around the 12-14 inch mark when "adult".  You'd be best off getting him at least a 55 gallon sized tank, though larger would be better.  I would also recommend picking up a canister filter to go along with the hob filter(and make sure the hob filter is the largest available.  Oscars do create a mess with their poop and the food.  You'll see bits of food come out their gills.  They're also sensitive to high nitrate levels-which can lead to hole in the head disease, which is hard to keep down with 1 oscar in a 55 gallon tank.  I know that from experience, I had a canister filter, the largest Penguin hob filter, a 55 gallon tank, and I was doing 50% water changes twice a week-and those nitrate levels were still staying in the borderline area.  Just something to start thinking about if you haven't already.

Anyway, right now you need a gravel vacuum or siphon.  Here's a photo:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+3889&pcatid=3...

If you're in the US, you can get one for about 6-10. at the store, even walmart.  You'll also need a few buckets.  I would get at least 3-4 of them, and write FISH on the side so no one uses them for washing the car or floors.  Basically what you do, have the smaller end in the bucket, and the larger end in the tank.  Fill it up with water from the tank-hold it upright/straight, then quickly dunk it back in the tank to refill with water before it all empties out.  Gravity should make a vacuum effect and automatically start sucking the water out of the tank.  May take a few tries to figure it out, but don't ever use your mouth to start it.....yes, some people do that and it's not good lol.  Anyway, you just go around the bottom of the tank and it'll remove the poop, any uneaten food, and water as well.  This is how water changes should be done.  With your size tank, and an oscar, I would be doing 50% water changes this way at least once a week till he starts growing.  Then you'll need to increase the frequency, like I was doing with mine.  Then dump the water out, and fill your buckets up with clean dechlorinated water and add back into the tank.  Your tank is fairly decent sized, and especially if you get a larger one, you may want to look into getting one of these instead:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+3910&pcatid=3...

It's called  a Python. It hooks up to your sink, and the water creates the vacuum effect and sucks the water out of the tank.  Then, flip the switch and refill the tank.  You would add your water dechlorinator in directly to the tank then when you're refilling.  This is great for multiple tanks or larger tanks-much easier and less mess.  Does use a lot of water though.  And, I would still have the other one I mentioned on hand as well just in case.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Christy