Flicking/Flasking - but not ick

[TangoWRX]

Hi Guys, my first post here so firstly a big hello

I have recently noticed some of my fish flicking off the sand, normally when I see this I end up spotting ick. This time I see no visible sign of anything, and apart from the flicking they seem happy and active. This morning I noticed my little orcar had a line gouged out his head.. which I am guessing is due to flashing off some bogwood.

Current water stats
Amo - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 25ppm
ph - 7.0
TDS 320ppm

Fish - Cichlids and loaches (more details in profile)

Things I am considering a cause:
About 10 days ago I had a minor nitrite spike, it went to about 0.25 for about 2 days only while it adjusted to a few new fish.

I have just started using RO/DI water as my tap water is pretty nasty and has 40ppm nitrate etc So the last week I have done daily water changes of 10% so to convert over and also bring the nitrate as low as I can. Could it be due to a change in ph or hardness? It was about 7.5ph max a few weeks ago.

Possible body/gill paracites too small to see

I have only seen them do it on the sand so thought they were trying to kick up food.


Paul

 

[JakeH]

My cats & gouramis have been doing the same thing for a week now. Just spotted the Ick today. I was starting to wonder about all kinds of random causes, too since I couldn't see any Ick. I put a new Rubbernose Pleco in there 2 weeks ago, so I'm sure it was him. That's what I get for buying a Pleco from PetSmart I guess! I even called the store to let them know so they could quarantine or whatever their procedure is for dealing with Ick & the chick told me "all fish have Ick...they just release it when they get stressed out."!!!!!!! Uh huhh. So maybe a quarantine would be a wise move, since they have so many shared tools/tanks?!? Ijjits. Any new additions to your tank?

 

[TangoWRX]

I have told the same about it being stress, but this was by someone I hold in high regard with fish.

I do have a few new fish but I still have not seen any spots on them. I am more convinced it is due to a big change in water type. Far lower TDS so could be minor osmotic shock.

 

[Nat V]

Could be velvet - my fish have been flicking and I initially thought gill flukes but on taking a closer look the ones scratching have a gold sheen on them.