All my fish seem to flick there bodies up against anything in the tank. my nitrate lvls are out at the moment, as i changed from stones to sand (well according to the fish shop thats why its out) changed pad inside filter as advised and added solutions for nitrate. no fish has any illnesses, been flicking for quite a while, but are acting normal eatting, playing mating etc any advise much appreciated. thank you. x
2007-03-28 07:28:14 · 5 answers · asked by donna 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Catxcatxx is on the right track here. The term for the "scratching" against objects in the tank is "flashing" and is a typical sign of an irritant, such as a parasite. It could be that there's something from the sand that is irritating them as well.
I'll provide a few links with photos and info on symptoms you can diagnose the cause. If this is a parasite, look for something containing malachite green (this is a known carcinogen, so use cautiously) or Clout to medicate the tank. As Catxcatxx mentioned, you'll need to be careful of using medications with scaleless and sensitive fish, but also plants and snails depending on the meds you choose. Read the labels carefully.
Maintaining an aquarium with a sand bed will provide some unique challenges. I'm including a link for you regarding that as well.
2007-03-28 08:02:12 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the first thing here is to stop feeding for a few days.
do not touch filter,it needs to mature to be able to reduce ammonia.change 25 per cent water weekly until symptoms stop.
if the filter is not reducing ammonia that is the main cause of your problem.the fishes mouth will open and shut at a very fast rate if this is the cause .
there are other factors involved but too many to quote here.
2007-03-28 07:46:08 · answer #2 · answered by phelps 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
flicking can indicate external parasites. and ich or white spot too.
do a large water change (to help get rid of water-born parasites). aquarium salt can help too (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons, but not if you have inverts or scaleless fish - plecs, loaches, corys etc).
you can also buy treatment from your local fish store, as to makes will depend on where in the world you live as it can vary.
2007-03-28 07:35:58 · answer #3 · answered by catx 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They could have ich if they are starching quite a bit but if its just now and then it might not be any thing mine do that now and then and don't have any disease.
2007-03-28 09:35:08 · answer #4 · answered by Jackp1ne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
fish do this when under stress try adding more hiding places
2007-03-28 10:48:14 · answer #5 · answered by penny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋