Flowerhorn won’t stop flashing

[Rtc/tsn]

I did a water change today like normal. About 40-50% once a week. I don’t add dechlorinator as my tap contains no chlorine and that hasn’t changed. Nitrate and nitrites are all good and the ph is the same as it’s always been but for some reason my flowerhorn just Will not stop flashing
( scraping his side on the gravel/filters) is there anything I can do to fix this. I’ve feed epsom salt soaked food for a total of a month and nothing has changed. I’ve tried adding and removing co2 and o2 via bubblers and co2 canisters. His entire life he’s has a bubbler and he’s always loved it and drags it around the tank. I took it out for a week and his flashing got more extreme. I tried adding co2 and it made his flashing worse. Only time he didn’t flash was when I had live plants but even then he would do so occasionally. Please help me I’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Are you still burning nasty chemical candles/etc in the same room as the tank?

 

[Rtc/tsn]

Are you still burning nasty chemical candles/etc in the same room as the tank?

No. There’s not anything in my room. I don’t even smoke in here anymore for the sake of my fish

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Is it possible the smoke is getting in even though you don't smoke in there? Such as through an open door?

FYI, plants can absorb toxins, which may explain why the plants reduced (even if didn't stop) it if it was something to do with smoking.

 

[Rtc/tsn]

Is it possible the smoke is getting in even though you don't smoke in there? Such as through an open door?

FYI, plants can absorb toxins, which may explain why the plants reduced (even if didn't stop) it if it was something to do with smoking.

I only ever smoke outside now usually in a car or on a bench at the park. Weird thing is the tanks in the living room where my sister vapes, stuff is always sprayed and dogs fighting around the tanks all day everyday never have any problems with the health of the fish. Never have I seen a fish flash or gasp for air in those tanks yet In my room with my tank that I do everything to keep in pristine condition, shocker, my fish flashes lol. I’ve been thinking of getting houseplants for my filters just as something to look at. Is it possible this would help. Would I also have to remove my carbon filtration to hang a plant from a hob

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Carbon filtration? I don't know about anything else you asked, but are you rinsing the carbon properly?
Carbon dust irritates fish, which is why carbon must be rinsed.

 

[Rtc/tsn]

Carbon filtration? I don't know about anything else you asked, but are you rinsing the carbon properly?
Carbon dust irritates fish, which is why carbon must be rinsed.

Yea I always rinse the carbon first in a cup of tank water and then under the sink until the water runs clear and I’m always thorough with it. Flowerhorn are sensitive fish though. Should I try to remove the carbon pillows and see how that effects him

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

I doubt it would make a difference since you're rinsing properly.

How clean are you when you clean the tank (no disrespect intended)?
Skin oils, dirt, deodorant, makeup, perfume, etc, could all be getting into the water and irritating the fish if you aren't.

 

[Rtc/tsn]

I doubt it would make a difference since you're rinsing properly.

How clean are you when you clean the tank (no disrespect intended)?
Skin oils, dirt, deodorant, makeup, perfume, etc, could all be getting into the water and irritating the fish if you aren't.

It’s rare for me to put my arm in the tank unless I’m moving stuff around. It could be spray deodorant getting in the water off my skin but not likely. I always wash my hands before putting my hand in the water. I wash once with dawn dish soap ( if it’s good enough for ducklings it’s good enough for me) and then I rewash with plain water and dry off. I’ve never looked into how to properly prep your skin for putting it in an aquarium so I could be doing it wrong but it’s what I’ve always done and never had an issue until now.

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Something else just came to me. If adding the CO2 increased flashing, and adding plants (which eat CO2) reduced it, it may be too much CO2 in the water, which has negative effects on other species too: https://www.plantedtank.net/threads/roseline-sharks-dying.146437/

I would add back the plants (to eat the CO2) plus a powerhead or 2 (to increase agitation which dissipates CO2 into the air and adds oxygen into the water).